Stafford Rangers v Avro

REPORT

Stafford Rangers’ poor start to the season continued with a second home defeat in three days as Oldham based Avro FC ran out comfortable winners, scoring three well taken goals.

Once again Rangers lined up without a recognised central defender but it was not just in defence where they lacked the necessary ingredients.

Dylan Barkers was back in the starting line up but Stanley Anaebonam was absent through illness. Rangers didn’t appear too troubled at first as they competed well with their visitors and even took the lead in the 21st minute when Dan Cockerline climbed highest to head home a James McQuilkin free kick.

But, the lead was to last just 5 minutes as Benito Lowe levelled with a half volley which went in via Cam Belford’s left hand post after the danger wasn’t cleared following a corner.

Avro had created the first chance of the evening – a couple of minutes before Rangers’ opener but unmarked Liam Ellis saw his drive go across the face of goal.

When Barkers got caught in possession midway inside the Stafford half, it opened up another opportunity for the visitors. Lowe and Ellis combined to find Max Harrop and he fired in from 25 yards out to put Avro ahead on 34 minutes.

Rangers were still well in the contest and went close again with another Cockerline header but, in added time at the end of the first half, Avro struck for a third time.

Harrop was again the man on target and again he produced a a stunning finish – this time with a left footer from 35 yards out – but questions will be asked why he was allowed the time and space to get his shot in.

Rangers made some changes at the break with Luca Whitney replacing Joe Mwasile as well as a re-shuffle at the back but while they huffed and puffed, they never once looked like reducing the areas.

The better chances continued to fall to the opposition. Harrop hit a free kick straight to Belford while the Stafford keeper had to do a little more – but not much – to keep out a snap shot from Sam Davidson. Later, Lowe and Kyle Hawley both fired wide while Davidson saw his effort blocked.

Rangers were guilty of gifting possession to the visitors far too easily which affected their ability to mount any significant pressure on the Avro goal.

In the final 15 minutes, Rangers did create a couple of chances, the best of which was a header from Cockerline that was turned over by keeper Grant Shenton.

Stafford Rangers: 1 Cameron Belford, 2 Jacob Edwards, 3 Ben O’Hanlon, 4 Dylan Barkers, 5 Andy Burns, 6 Sean Lawton, 7 Joe Mwasile (15 Luca Whitney 46m), 8 James McQuilkin (17 Diego McGann 72m), 9 Dan Cockerline, 10 Joe Robbins (12 Joe Morley 65m), 11 Tyrone Cadeau (16 AJ Leitch-Smith 86m). Unused Sub 14 Max Barlow

Avro: 1 Grant Shenton, 2 Chiekh Thiam, 3 Kane Wallwork (12 AJ Warberton 18m), 4 Kane Hickman, 5 David Fitzpatrick, 6 Deane Smalley, 7 Liam Ellis, 8 Sam Davidson, 9 Kyle Hawley (16 Michael Phenix 73m), 10 Benito Lowe (17 Darren Ehimamiegho 81m), 11 Max Harrop (14 Craig Carney 52m). Unused Sub 18 Jake Cottrell

Cautions: Lawton, O’Hanlon, Burns (Stafford), Hickman, Lowe (Avro)

Referee: Ryan Price

Attendance: 338

Report by Chris Elsley