Stafford Rangers v Sutton Coldfield Town

REPORT

Stafford Rangers suffered the fourth defeat of their pre-season campaign but it was a closely fought encounter against fellow step 4 side Sutton Coldfield Town.

Rangers had an early half chance with a Jimmy O’Neill header but the visitors had a much better opportunity just a couple of minutes later only for Luke McGinnell to see his shot well saved by Jack Sandel.

Reece Gibson headed over for the visitors before one of the Stafford trialists placed a shot wide of the visitors’ goal.

Another effort for Sutton Coldfield was put wide then Sandel saved from Jack Lynch before making another good save to keep out McGinnell’s header just before half time.

Chances continued to come in the second half as Joe Morley was denied by the visiting keeper and Sandel made an excellent double save following a deflection off a Stafford defender and the follow up from Gibson.

The only goal came on 65 minutes when the ball was played into the near post and Gibson got in ahead of O’Neill to squeeze the ball home.

Stafford’s best opportunity for an equaliser came soon after when Aaron Opoku worked hard to create an opening only to see the Sutton keeper make a good save.

Multiple Stafford substitutions enabled the visitors to take control and only further saves from Sandel prevented Sutton from adding to the score.

Although it was another defeat, the were improved signs from Rangers and two trialists up front caught the eye.