Stafford Rangers v Bootle

REPORT

Stafford Rangers earned their first point in four matches with a goalless draw at a windy Stan Robinson Stadium.

The worst of Storm Amy had passed by earlier in the day but the strong blustery wind affected play from both sides.

Rangers made two changes to the side defeated in the last minute at Bury with keeper Callum Smith making way for Arron Davies while Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi picked up an injury in training allowing a recall for John Atherton.

Bootle created a half chance for Joe Woolley virtually from the kick off but their plans received a set back when defender Jay Roberts limped out of the game with less than three minutes on the clock.

Apart from that early chance for the visitors, it was Rangers who were the stronger of the two teams in the first half.

Anthony Thompson was the saviour for Bootle with a number of crucial saves, starting when he clawed away a wind assisted centre from Ben O’Hanlon. Anthony Miley tripped Dan Cockerline in the following play but referee Julia Kings wasn’t interested in penalty appeals.

A minute later, Kaiman Anderson and Cockerline were involved in a scramble in the area but neither was able to get in a telling shot and substitute Michael Simpson cleared off the line.

Rangers’ own plans were unsettled when Ben O’Hanlon picked up a thigh injury forcing a re-organisation to the formation to go three at the back.

Anderson missed out on two more chances that came his way – the best of which saw a header lack the power needed to get past Lewis Earl who cleared off the line.

Just past the hour, Scott Wara looked like he had put Rangers ahead but Thompson pulled off a stunning save to his left to keep his side on level terms.

At the other end, Rangers almost created their own downfall when Wara’s attempt to cut out a square ball nearly diverted it past Davies – the Stafford keeper just managed to get a touch to force it wide.

Davies then saved well from Woolley but the best chances fell to Stafford. A great flick from Cockerline put Wilson clear only for Thompson to stand his ground and save.

Joe Cuff was next to miss out when he broke into the Bootle area but Thompson again saved. Soon after, he denied Jimmy O’Neill.

With the game entering the final stages, the Merseysiders sensed the chance to snatch a winner and it needed a great challenge from Wara to deny Dior Angus a shot while Jack Lenehan could only put his shot at Davies in goal.

In added time, Davies made another good save to keep out Angus and earn his side a much needed point.

Stafford Rangers: 1 Arron Davies, 2 Andy Burns, 3 Ben O’Hanlon (17 Callum Wilson 33m), 4 Jack Sherratt , 5 Jimmy O’Neill, 6 Scott Wara, 7 John Atherton (14 Mason Rees 77m), 8 Jack Birch (15 James McQuilkin 90+5m), 9 Dan Cockerline, 10 Kaiman Anderson (16 Joe Cuff 70m), 11 Ashley Fallon (12 Zidan Sutherland 70m).

Bootle: 1 Anthony Thompson, 2 Jay Roberts (12 Michael Simpson 3m), 3 Sean Smith, 4 Anthony Miley, 5 Thomas Hannigan, 6 Lewis Earl, 7 Samuel Hughes, 8 Jack Lenehan, 9 Dior Angus, 10 Joe Woolley, 11 Harry Rimmer (16 Jack McGowan 77m). Unused Subs: 14 Ben Dufton-Kelly, 15 Ethen Goldbourne, 17 Eion HoganReferee: Julia Kings

Cautions: Miley (Bootle)

Sent Off: Alan Morgan (Bootle Manager)

Att: 590

Report by Chris Elsley