U18s FA Youth Cup Victory

U18s FA Youth Cup Victory

Aug 18, 2023 | Club News, Under 18's Match Report

Dare to dream?

SRFC U18s

Stafford Rangers U18’s will dare to dream again of an FA Youth Cup run after a 2-1 victory against Coton Green, writes Luke Powell.

The new-look Boro boys squad will look to follow in the footsteps of last year’s U18’s side who reached the final preliminary round – falling just one round short of the first proper – and embark on a memorable cup run themselves.

Fin Clements bagged two first-half goals for the Rangers as the home side came from behind after Harry Gatton’s sixth-minute opener for Coton Green.

Once again, former Spurs and Ireland U21 International player Andy Turner leads the side with first team back-up goalkeeper Jack Sandel the skipper. The Rangers U18’s played at the newly re-named Stan Robinson Stadium as Stafford Rangers announced a new deal with the business that sees them gain the naming rights of Marston Road.

Disaster struck early on the six-minute for the home side as Gatton stroked home the opener into the bottom right corner past Sandel in net. Like most youth games it was an energetic and fiery encounter with end-to-end football throughout.

The Rangers U18’s looked for an instant reply as Zane Johnson-Hughes broke through the defence but saw his shot saved. Aiden Parker impressed throughout and it became evident that he’d spent time with the Rangers first team during pre-season, as the midfielder created ample opportunities and was unlucky to not see his cross from the left turned home by a Boro man.

Parker was involved once again as he earnt the home side their chance to get level from the penalty spot. The midfielder was deemed to have been brought down by goalkeeper Jimmy Griffiths and striker Fin Clements stepped forward to pull it back to one each. Clements converted low to the right in the 23rd minute, with Griffiths diving the wrong way.

The striker was unlucky not to have a second seven minutes later as his effort struck the woodwork twice – hitting the bar and then the post. Somehow Clements’ effort was kept out and Coton Green survived.

However, the sides weren’t level for long as Clements bagged his and the Boro boys’ second. Goalkeeper Jack Sandel’s ball over the top reached the front man who finished with composure past Griffiths to give the Rangers a half time lead.

The second half saw competitive action but no goals, and a scrappy affair. The intensity was still high from both teams and Coton Green came ever so close to levelling in the 58th minute. The post denied the away side before super Sandel held the follow-up.

Dylan Adcock continued to show promise on the wing for the Rangers bursting through with pace, but was unable to convert before Parker forced a top-draw save from Griffiths in net to deny the midfielders thunderstrike nestling in the top corner.

Fin Clements will have left the ground wondering how he didn’t grab his hattrick, heading wide late on from close-range. But, nobody can fault his and the Boro boys’ performance as the Rangers U18’s progress through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup with their comeback victory.

Written by Luke Powell, reporting from the Stan Robinson Stadium.

 

U18’s achieve Runners-Up Spot

U18’s achieve Runners-Up Spot

May 4, 2023 | Academy, Under 18's Match Report

Congratulations to our U18’s

SRFC U18sWith beating Walsall Wood last night (Wednesday, 3rd May), the our U18’s side managed to claim the Runners-Up spot, in the U18’s MYFL league.

Since Andy Turner took over at Christmas they have been unbeaten in the league, winning 8, drawing 2 and losing 0 in their meteoric rise up the table. This has been achieved with the same squad that started the season, but developed and coached under the guidance of Andy Turner and Shaun O’Callaghan to attain remarkable results.

They finished the season with title winning form, which is hoped will continue into next season.

Congratulations to all players, coaching staff, parents and volunteers, without whom this could not have been achieved.

 
U18’s achieve Runners-Up Spot

U18’s Match Insight

Feb 27, 2023 | Club News, Under 18's Match Report

Boro beat Chasetown

Stafford Rangers U18's

Stafford Rangers U18’s boss Andy Turner has set his side a challenge to win the Midland Floodlit Youth League as they beat Chasetown 2-0 at Marston Road last Wednesday.

Miles Mawson and Ben Shaw found the net to give the Boro boys the home league win, their fourth in a row under Andy Turner.

The Rangers move up to 4th in the table, seven points adrift of top spot, but have three games in hand to the leaders and catch-up to play on some other sides.

Turner, the former Spurs and Ireland U21 has been impressed with what he’s seen so far and has challenged his side to make a title charge.

He said: “I’ve given the lads a challenge. I took this on when we were eighth and I just said let’s finish first or second.

It’s not about me, I help them but I want them to do something.

There’s loads of points being dropped around us in the league and there will be. We may drop some but it’s about consistency and being the best we can be.

And, if it’s still there to be won, then you go and win it. If we don’t then we’ve still done our best.

We take it one game at a time and the lads are enjoying it. I’m pleased for the guys, it’s four wins out of four.

Another clean sheet, two on the bounce and we’ve got a free week next week before the cup game.

It’s all good and there’s lots to look forward to.”

Goalscorer Ben Shaw impressed Turner, as well as Lewis Dodd from the bench as he returned from an injury vying to earn his spot back in the starting side.

“I think Ben did well and Lewis Dodd impressed when he came on.

He’s been waiting for his chance, he was away when we first got together and then injured.

I feel sorry for him a little bit because we’ve been winning and the forward players have been scoring.”

Things are on the up for the Boro boys and they’ll look to continue their fantastic form next Wednesday against Inkberrow in a cup clash.

“It was another hard-working, effective display where we had a little more quality than them in the end,” said Turner.

“There was lots of hard work and effort shown. We never looked like losing.”

In the first half, Miles Mawson opened the scoring after just over a minute of play. The full-back finished fantastically into the bottom left-corner of the goal from the right side of the box to give his side an early lead.

Chasetown came close later on, hitting the post and unlucky to be behind at the break.

In the second 45, Mawson looked for his second but shot wide before Ben Shaw doubled the home side’s advantage in the 64th minute. The winger fired home at close-range from the back post after a cross from Fletcher Rushbury on the right-side.

Skipper Jack Sandel was superb in front of the net when required, denying Chasetown with his feet in the 73rd minute. Though a quiet night for the goalkeeper, he was faultless when called into action.

Despite Chasetown’s best efforts and a late free-kick, the home side held on for the win. The victory was their fourth in a row after thrashing Walsall Wood 7-0 the previous week with confidence high, and everyone performing well.

 

Academy & Under 18’s update

Jan 8, 2020 | Club News, Under 18's Match Report

Update on our 1st year Academy progress and our under 18’s progression in the Midland Floodlit League.

 

 

The club would like to start with announcing that Bristol Street Motors of Stafford are kindly sponsoring the Academy side, and Taylor Classics of Stafford are sponsoring the under 18’s side.
We thank both companies for their support. You can access the websites of both sponsors in the links above.

The Academy side have been together now since term started in September 2019; they train daily at Rowley Park Stadium under the professional coaching of Alex Meechan. Matches are played at Marston road Stadium. There are currently 19 members in the squad, and they are in second place in the NPLFA Joma League. The education takes place at the football club daily with the students studying towards BTEC qualifications, both the level 3 Diploma and Extended Diplomas in sport.

 

The under 18’s squad are playing in the Midland Floodlit Youth League and are managed by John Psaras and Oz Rowley, the team is made up of mainly 16-year-old lads that are also associated with the Academy side. This gives us the ability to offer more football to a 19-man Academy squad. We also have additional players in the squad that are not associated with the Academy, special mention to Owen Turner, Matthew Marshall and Richie Lythgoe who returned to the club to add to their experience. The under 18’s play home matches at Marston Road Stadium. We are currently looking for volunteers to help with our under 18’s the roles available are managing the gate at home fixtures and someone to write match reports. If you would like to volunteer for either of these roles please email commercial@staffordrangersfc.co.uk or call 01785 602430 and speak to Roy Sales.

Barrow 2 – 1 Stafford Rangers Match Report -Paul Blanchette

Jan 22, 2019 | Under 18's Match Report

Beaumont Parks Luxury accommodation greeted players and supporters as Barrow U18’s hosted Rangers U18’s.
The large 4G surface provided for a fiercely competitive game and some fine technical football.

 

The referees whistle triggered 90 minutes of pure white-knuckle thrills as both teams launched from the blocks.

On 2 minutes tenacious Rangers 9 Lucas Burnett chased a back pass giving Barrows keeper no time to think. Burnett nipped in to steal the ball which spun free to Max Dixon closing on the right. Dixon’s subsequent shot flew wide, the scene was set. Barrow pressed high and tight moving the ball with vigour, a tenth minute Barrow corner found an untracked runner and Barrow headed in to make it 1-0.

The action raged as Rangers fought valiantly to stifle Barrows pace and movement. Rangers midfield pair Josh Moody and Sam Jarvis worked tirelessly. With 16 minutes gone Barrow were awarded a contentious free kick after the referee judged Rangers centre half centurion Connor Taylor had pulled the Barrow players shirt. The free kick was whipped in forcing a fine save from keeper Craig Pain, who scooped the resulting corner from the air.

Rangers right back Adam Taylor and left back Tim Khayat were kept very busy matching Barrow’s tricky wide men for pace and power.
On 25 minutes a clever through ball from Connor Taylor found Max Dixon in space. Dixon ran at the Barrow goal but was caught by a fine last gasp tackle by the defender to clear the danger. A few minutes later Rangers no: 7 Christian Blanchette was caught with a high tackle as he broke through central midfield. The resulting free kick was cleared by the Barrow defence. The frantic action continued with Barrows no: 7 firing wide after picking up a loose ball. A few minutes later Barrows impressive no: 7 broke through with only keeper Craig Pain to beat 7’s shot was saved brilliantly by Pain to ease the pressure.

Another Barrow break saw Rangers central enforcer James Black slide in with a brilliantly timed challenge. The referee consulted the linesman who confirmed no foul. With half time fast approaching a slick piece of interplay between 8 Sam Jarvis and 3 Tim Khayat saw Jarvis thread an inch perfect ball to Christian Blanchette advancing at pace on the left wing. Despite close attention from Barrows no: 10 Blanchette’s focus held strong as he cut into the Barrow penalty area and slotted coolly past the giant Barrow keeper to pull the scores level at 1-1. “You are always most vulnerable just after you score” A minute later Barrow’s talented No; 7 picked up the ball and ran at the Rangers goal. Powerful Tim Khayat raced to catch him tracking the No; 7 on the edge of the Rangers penalty area. No: 7 tripped right and left unleashing a shot which took a cruel deflection off a Rangers defender leaving keeper Pain stranded. 2-1 Barrow.

Half time 2-1

A welcome break at half time saw Rangers return stronger. Rangers pushed hard closing the Barrow players with much more urgency. Owen Turner entered the action proving a very capable replacement at centre back, with James Black taking a well-earned break.
Another dubious refereeing decision handed a free kick to Barrow against a bemused Adam Taylor with the resultant free kick being struck over the bar.

On 58 minutes flying full back Tim Khayat powered down the left floating a shot over the Barrow keeper which dropped a foot wide of the post. A minute later Sam Jarvis launched a powerful shot goalward which was brilliantly saved by the Barrow keeper. Just over the hour mark Barrow broke going one on one with Replacement keeper Charlie Baker who raced out to narrow the angle forcing the Barrow shot wide. Khayat now suffering from cramp was replaced by Alex Smith who took up position on the right side of midfield with the classy Connor Baikie slotting in to left back.

Rangers pressed for the equaliser, Barrow were rocking, the immaculate first half discipline starting to crack. Rangers pushed forward with wave after wave of attacks but still Barrow held firm. With 10 minutes to go Barrow’s No:11 stamped on the rear of Rangers Adam Taylor leg following a verbal exchange, earning the Barrow player a straight red card.

Again, Rangers pushed forward with Christian Blanchette firing over. 90 + 5 saw Rangers Josh Stack wriggle through the Barrow back line and race at the Barrow keeper, stack passed right to the advancing Alex Smith whose fierce shot was saved by Barrow’s keeper.
The final whistle saw an elated Barrow side throw their arms aloft. A more competitive game of football would be difficult to find, in the end a deflected goal separated the teams.

Final score Barrow 2-1 Stafford Rangers.

 

Rampant Rangers hit Coleshill for 8.

Jan 14, 2019 | Under 18's Match Report

A feisty Coleshill side arrived to do battle at the Boro on a misty 10th January. Rangers struggled to shrug off the Christmas hangover as Coleshill threatened early on.

Rangers Danny Stevens had a shot saved by Coleshill keeper on 3 minutes against the run of play with Coleshill’s 11 being caught offside a minute later.
Rangers settled, centre back James Black popped a neat pass into Christian Blanchette on the right, Blanchette raced into Coleshill’s box unleashing a strike against Coleshill’s far post, Stevens picked up the rebound firing wide.
Coleshill’s no: 7 continued to cause problems for Rangers defence. Right back Adam Taylor quickly got to grips with the tricky winger sliding in with several brilliantly timed interventions.

The action continued at a frantic pace with Max Dixon chipping just wide on 14 minutes. A couple of minutes later Coleshill were awarded a free kick around 20 yards out. Coleshill’s no: 7 stepped up whipping a shot into the safe arms of Rangers keeper Craig Pain.
On 16 minutes Max Dixon switched to right wing with Christian Blanchette taking up central midfield. Minutes later Dixon broke down the right threading a fine pass to Danny Stevens to run on to. Stevens shot was saved by the keeper, Dixon picked up the loose ball and linked up with Lucas Burnett who buried a shot into Coleshill’s net.

Coleshill persisted, their mobile 7 whipping in a stinging shot forcing a good save from keeper Pain. The end to end action continued, Connor Baikie floating in an inviting corner only to be cleared by Coleshill. Shortly before the break Max Dixon danced through the Coleshill defence and cut a pass to Stevens whose shot was again saved by Coleshill’s now busy keeper. The resulting corner found the head of lofty Captain Connor Taylor who made no mistake making it 2 to Rangers. A few minutes later Stevens was fouled running at the Coleshill defence. Christian Blanchette floated the free kick into the Coleshill box finding the head of Connor Taylor for the second time in as many minutes, Taylor turned the header in for his second.

Half Time 3-0 Rangers.

The Second half saw the introduction of Charlie Baker in goal, hardworking Josh Moody having earned himself a break was replaced by a very mobile Josh Stack, Declan Arber came on for Danny Stevens and Alex Smith and Sam Jarvis replaced Connor Baikie and Max Dixon.
Second half continued in the same vein with both sides still going for the win. Coleshill held their heads high and continued to attack. 53 minutes saw a dangerous Coleshill corner cleared by Blanchette. A few minutes later Rangers earned a throw in following some great work from Tim Khayat on Rangers left. Christian Blanchette launched a long throw into Coleshill’s box finding Lucas Burnett who set up Declan Arber. Arber’s shot struck a defender, Alex Smith latched on to the rebound firing Rangers fourth passed the Coleshill keeper.
59 minutes saw a Rangers corner floated in by Blanchette, finding Connor Taylor at the back post, Taylor headed back across goal finding Alex Smith who headed in for his second. 5-0 Rangers.

Coleshill would not lie down, after a period of sustained pressure Coleshill’s talented no:10 intercepted a loose ball and raced forward to slot home past Baker in the Rangers goal to pull one back.
Rattled by the lapse in concentration Rangers responded. Charlie Baker launched one long which found its way to Declan Arber who tricked his way past the Coleshill defence before firing an unstoppable shot into the back of the net to make it 6-1 Rangers. A few minutes later Rangers won a corner which was floated in by Josh Stack, Alex Smith met the ball with his head to claim a hat trick
Not yet finished the reintroduced Max Dixon tripped past defenders on the right before slipping the ball unselfishly to Arber who coolly slotted in his second.

Final score Stafford Rangers 8 – 1 Coleshill.