Stafford Rangers v Bamber Bridge

REPORT

Stafford Rangers got their season off to the perfect start with victory over Bamber Bridge at a scorching hot Marston Road.

Prior to kick off, players, officials and spectators stood for a minutes applause for he life of Stuart Chapman, the long serving Rangers’ legend who recently passed away.

After a bright opening, Rangers were left stunned when Brig opened the scoring on 7 minutes. There was an element of luck in the approach which saw the ball bounce into the path of Finlay Sinclair-Smith but the finish, from 20 yards out, was of high quality.

A good save from Cameron Belford prevented the Brig goalscorer from adding a second on 16 minutes.

It was a key moment as Rangers levelled matters just a couple of minutes later.

Joe Dunne started the attack on the left. Adam Livingstone and Jack Baxter played their part before Dunne whipped in a cross which was turned into his own net by Harvey Hughes under pressure from Joe Kenton.

Baxter tried his luck with a low drive that was comfortably saved by Felix Goddard as Rangers looked to take control.

At the other end powerful shot from Finlay Sinclair-Smith thumped into the body of Ethan Stewart.

The game received another twist on the stroke of half time when Brig captain Paul Dawson had a rush of blood and elbowed Boro defender in the face, just yards away from referee Richard Eley who had no hesitation in showing the red card.

After a couple of missed opportunities at the second half, Rangers made their numerical advantage tell on 53 minutes when Tom Tonks netted from the penalty spot after being fouled by Nathan Pond.

Goddard’s bravery denied Kenton after a solo run following an intercepted pass in midfield but Rangers made it 3-1 on 72 minutes through substitute Ntumba Massanka who latched on to a quick throw from Tonks before firing past Goddard with the outside of his right foot.

It was game over on 84 mins. Burns picked out Massanka who set up Alex Kiwomya with a neat back heal.

Brig did reduce the deficit on 89 mins with a Ghys Turner header after Dunne had blocked Noah Alabi’s initial shot on the line.

Stafford Rangers: 1 Cameron Belford, 2 Andrew Burns, 3 Joe Dunne, 4 Jack Baxter, 5 Ethan Stewart, 6 Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, 7 Joe Kenton (15 Jaiden White 83m), 8 Tom Tonks, 9 Kaiman Anderson (12 Ntumba Massanka 62m), 10 Joe Wilis, 11 Adam Livingstone ( 16 Alex Kiwomya 69m). Unused Subs 14 Chris Clements, 17 Nathan Caine.

Bamber Bridge: 1 Felix Goddard, 2 Matthew Thomson, 3 Harvey Hughes, 4 David Perkins (14 Chris Churchman 78m), 5 Nathan Pond, 6 Thomas Hoyle, 7 Aaron Skinner, 8 Luke Daly (12 Rhys Turner 46m), 9 Isaac Sinclair (16 Noah Alabi 68m), 10 Paul Dawson, 11 Finlay Sinclair-Smith.Unused Subs:15 William Riding, – only four Subs named

Cautions: Nathan Pond (Bamber Bridge)

Sent Off: Paul Dawson (Bamber Bridge)

Referee: Richard Eley

Att 614

Report by Chris Elsley