Stafford Rangers v Buxton

REPORT

Stafford Rangers completed their pre-season programme with another defeat, this time at the hands of National League North side Buxton.

Pre season performances from the Boro have been inconsistent at best with 17 goals leaked and only two scored but Saturday’s showing was more promising and Rangers ended the first half on level terms.

Although Buxton enjoyed the majority of the possession, they didn’t pose much of a threat on the Stafford goal. It was a similar story at the other end as Aaron Opoku fought a solo battle with Kieran Burton

The best chances of the opening 45 minutes saw Burton force a save from Cam Belford in the 9th minute while Stafford’s Joe Robbins saw his shot blocked by Josh Williams shortly before half time.

The only other incident of note was a caution for Andy Burns following a mistimed tackle on Connor Kirby.

It took Buxton less than five minutes of the second half to open the scoring. Josh Granite advanced into the area and though his run was halted by Oliver Jepson, the ball fell kindly to Sam Tomlinson who fired home.

Rangers, who started the game with three trialists, introduced several more during the second half – a total of eight were on show during the 90 minutes.

Buxton found more openings come their way and Kirby saw a shot well saved by Belford while Tomlinson should have doubled his side’s lead but sent his shot wide.

Recent signing Tyrone Cadeau gave Stafford a little more in attack and he was just off target with a couple of efforts.

Buxton grabbed their second with 10 minutes remaining when Josh Popoola drilled in a low centre which was turned into his own net by the Stafford trialist playing at the heart of the defence.

Stafford starting line up: Cam Belford, Andy Burns, Ben O’Hanlon, James McQuilkin, Oliver Jepson, Trialist A, Trialist B, Trialist C, Aaron Opoku, Joe Robbins, Joe Morley. Substitutes include Sean Lawton, Tyrone Cadeau

Att 264