Report by Phil Bennett
This Saturday we travel to Buxton. Travelling there in September means that there will be a good chance of no snow, but who knows. Buxton lays claim to be the highest market town in England, with most of the town at around 1,000ft above sea level with the Market Place at 1,030ft, which is 314metres in new money. So, does playing at the high altitude have any effects on the matches.?
Last season they won more games on their travels in attaining 64 points to finish 8th, which included our 1-1 draw at Silverlands and the oh to be forgotten 4-1 they inflicted on us at Marston Road. Perhaps that is why they have invested in a new artificial playing surface which so far appears to be paying dividends.
Due to the new pitch being laid there were some delays which saw them reversing their early home games, to the extent that this Saturday is their first Saturday home game. There 2 home games to date have seen 1-0 wins against Hyde on Bank Holiday Monday with a crowd of 712, but a crowd of 402 for the midweek win over Mickleover. Their 5 away games have seen them amass 6 points with a win and three draws. They are 3 places and one point above Stafford Rangers in 6th place.
The league table therefore suggests a close encounter, as like us they are on a good run of results. Their last two fixtures saw an emphatic 5-2 FA Cup win at Barwell and in midweek they were leading 2-0 at Bamber Bridge but succumbed to two late penalties.
All in all, another tricky away fixture for the Rangers and if you at a loose end then take the scenic route over the Roaches to see Rangers take on Buxton.
