Spalding United v Stafford Rangers

REPORT

Stafford Rangers claimed a 2-1 victory away from home at Spalding United to advance into the 1st Round Proper of the FA Trophy.

Rangers fielded John Atherton following his arrival from Rushall Olympic on Friday while Joe Dunne was absent from the starting line up for the first time this season, Harry Nevin taking his place at left back and Dunne having to settle for a place on the bench. Also missing was Alex Kiwomya who was absent through injury.

Both sides looked to get an advantage and it was Stafford who took an early lead through striker Kaiman Anderson who opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Derek Ubah set the striker up from the back post with a header across goal from a Jack Baxter corner, giving Anderson a simple header to put Rangers in front.

Spalding weren’t behind for long, levelling the game in the 18th minute. Nathan Stainfield headed on a long free kick to James Clifton who worked the ball well in the box for the Tulips to pick out Bradley Rolt who fired home through the legs of Boro goalkeeper Cameron Belford.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, neither keeper was put under too much pressure but Rangers regained their lead on the stroke of half time. After a good run from Jack Baxter, Anderson grabbed his second goal of the afternoon to make it 2-1 a minute into additional time. Anderson turned his man both ways on the edge of the six-yard box to get a shot at goal which took a slight deflection off a Spalding defender on its way into the back of the net.

Ubah, walking a tight line since being cautioned midway through the first half, was replaced by Dunne at the break and the substitute had a great chance to add to the score after an exchange with Tom Tonks but his shot demonstrated why Dunne is a defender rather than a striker as the ball went high over.

The defences remained on top with the last line of both sides preventing shots reaching the keeper.

There was one final moment of drama as the game reached the 90 minute mark. Home keeper Michael Duggan came up from a corner and he almost had a chance to snatch his moment of glory. Ntumba Massanka denied him with a tackle before sending Joe Kenton away down the left wing. With Duggan stranded upfield, Kenton chose to cut in on goal but a last ditch challenge from Kyle Barker saved his team-mates’ blushes.

But Rangers had done enough to book their place in the 1st Round Proper.

Boro assistant manager, Dale Belford, was pleased with his side’s win:
“I’m really pleased for the lads getting the win today, we’ve worked extremely hard. Credit must go to the players for the effort and commitment that they’ve shown today. Spalding are a really good side with good players,” he added.

Stafford’s assistant manager praised Kaiman Anderson’s match-winning performance:
“Kaiman is one the most hard-working strikers I’ve come across in non-league football and it’s great for him he’s adding goals to that. He’s really well liked in the dressing room, he’s a big character for us and to see him scoring is fantastic and long may it continue.”

Dale discussed his side’s passion and work rate saying: “we’re always up for a scrap and a battle.”
Belford believes Stafford can only get better saying: “They’re growing, they’re improving all the time and we’re learning as a group. I think there’s signs now that we are just clicking into gear and hopefully, we can continue,” he added.

Spalding: 1 Michael Duggan, 2 Dan Bucciero, 3 Liam Marshall, 4 Kyle Barker, 5 Nathan Stainfield, 6 Sam Cartwright, 7 Archie Jones, 8 James Clifton, 9 Elliot Sandy (17 Toby Hilliard 77m), 10 Stefan Broccoli (14 Jordan O’Brien 63m), 11 Bradley Rolt (16 Dylan Edge 57m). Unused Subs 12 Danny Draper, 15 Morgan Penfold, 18 George Frost

Stafford: 1 Cam Belford, 2 Andy Burns, 3 Harry Nevin, 4 Jack Baxter, 5 Ethan Stewart, 6 Derek Ubah (12 Joe Dunne 46m), 7 Jaiden White (14 Joe Kenton 73m), 8 Tom Tonks, 9 Kaiman Anderson, 10 Alex-Ray Harvey, 11 John Atherton (16 Ntumba Massanka 83m). Unused Subs: 13 Ty Belford, 15 Darius Smith, 17 Nathan Caine, 18 Joe Willis

Referee: Lee Hible

Cautions: Jones (Spalding), Ubah (Rangers)

Att: 285

Report by Luke Powell