Leek Town — Stafford Rangers

REPORT

The Leek keeper punches clear under pressure

Rangers arrived having kept three consecutive clean sheets, but faced a Leek side a division higher in the NPL Premier Division and also unbeaten in pre‑season.

Beto Gomes in the thick of things

Both teams traded possession early on, with Leon Phillips called into action during a brief spell of Leek pressure. Stafford then began to settle, creating their first chance on 10 minutes when a long Tom Tonks throw was headed over by Joe Dunne.

Darrhyl Mason, making his first start of pre‑season alongside fellow new signing Scott Bakkor, looked lively. He dragged a shot straight at the Leek goal on 14 minutes and was close to opening the scoring again, when he latched onto Todd Ferrier’s through ball, only for keeper Dino Visser to smother at his feet.

Another Tonks throw found Dunne, whose header went wide, but despite Rangers’ control, a loose pass allowed Leek to break down the right. A low ball into the box found their No.11, who finished from close range to make it 1–0 — the first goal Rangers had conceded in over 300 minutes of play.

The response was immediate. In the 39th minute, Mason equalised in bizarre fashion. Receiving the ball from Dunne on the left, he attempted a chipped pass towards Tonks. Visser looked set to shepherd it out, but the ball spun awkwardly on the 3G surface and bounced into the net, leaving the keeper tangled with Tonks and stunned by the outcome.

Tonks puts off the Leek keeper for Mason’s effort to cross the line

Just a minute later, Leek gifted Tonks possession, allowing him to drive forward and strike from 25 yards. Visser tipped the effort onto the post.

Leek finished the half strongly, with Dunne making several blocks and their No.11 firing inches wide. The sides went in level at 1–1.

Second Half

Both teams made changes at the break, and two of Stafford’s substitutes combined instantly to give Rangers the lead on 50 minutes. Ty Webster won a free‑kick inside his own half and took it quickly, launching the ball to Kyle Sambor. His superb first touch set up a dangerous cross, which Mason converted for his second of the game.

Mason smashes home his second of the game

The lead lasted only minutes. A misplaced pass in Stafford’s half allowed Leek to break with numbers, and their No.16 controlled a slide‑rule pass before firing past Phillips at the near post for 2–2.

Rangers again reacted well. Sambor found Mason, whose instinctive half‑volley from the edge of the box went just wide. Mason continued to hunt his hat‑trick, rising highest from a corner, but his header and rebound were both saved, with Webster’s follow‑up also denied.

Leek threatened with a back‑post header over the bar, while Stafford created further chances late on. Mitch Clarke headed wide from a corner, and Sambor fired into the side netting from a tight angle after meeting Webster’s low cross.

Anis Zaknoune again featured after officially joining the Boro

An entertaining contest ended all square, with both sides preserving their unbeaten pre‑season runs. Stafford Rangers now turn their attention to the visit of Bedworth United next Saturday.

Final Score: Leek Town 2–2 Stafford Rangers