Stafford Rangers v Whitby Town

REPORT

Stafford Rangers are still clinging on to their NPL Premier Division status thanks to a hard fought victory over Whitby Town.

With a strong wind blowing against them, Rangers came out on full throttle and took a 12th minute lead with a quality finish from Kaiman Anderson – his 18th goal of the season – and outstanding performances from central defensive pairing Ethan Stewart and man of the match Jimmy O’Neill ensured that was to be enough.

It wasn’t just the back duo who stood out. Among others, Joe Willis kept running for the full 90 minutes while newcomer Kian Taylor once again showed that he has a bright future ahead of him.

Taylor missed out on an opportunity to notch his first Rangers goal when he lost out to visiting keeper Shane Bland in a one on one situation in the opening 5 minutes.

Soon after, it was Whitby’s turn to miss out on a one on one. Daniel Rowe’s header put Nathan Thomas clear but although he beat Cam Belford, he saw his shot come back off the post.

Sean Cooke was the next to waste a good opening as he spooned his effort high over the Shed End roof.

It was left to Anderson to show his team mates how it should be done. Willis dispossessed Coleby Shepherd who was charging up field on a counter attack. Owen German picked out Anderson who drilled his shot past Bland and in via the inside of the far post.

Belford had to be on his guard to keep his goal intact when a free kick from Thomas bounced towards goal off Stewart.

Rangers had a set back on 20 minutes when winger Tyreece Onyeka limped out of the game with a hamstring injury. Connor Heath came on as his replacement.

After a lively start, the pace of the game slowed. In the remaining 25 minutes of the half, Rangers’ best chance fell to Anderson who could only find the side netting from a tight angle.

At the other end, Junior Mondal fired straight at Belford and, just before the break, hit another into a crowd of defenders.
Rangers were first to show after the break with a hooked shot from Anderson being held by Bland while a 20 yard drive from Cooke was easily dealt with by the visiting keeper.

Chances were few and far between as the two sides got involved in a midfield battle with neither goal coming under serious threat.

In added time, Whitby subs Aaron Haswell and Stephen Walker linked with Mondal before Haswell sent a low centre flashing across the Stafford goal mouth.

With three games to play, Rangers are now three points from safety although their goal difference remains a key factor which could count against them.

Stafford Rangers: 1 Cam Belford, 2 Andy Burns, 3 George Burroughs, 4 Joe Willis, 5 Ethan Stewart, 6 Jimmy O’Neill, 7 Kian Taylor (16 Jack Stafford 89m), 8 Owen German, 9 Kaiman Anderson, 10 Sean Cooke, 11 Tyreece Onyeka (15 Connor Heath 19m). Unused Subs: 12 AJay Leitch-Smith, 14 Isaac Lee, 17 Luke Draysey

Whitby Town: 1 Shane Bland, 2 Connor Smith, 3 Coleby Shepherd, 4 Josef Wheatley, 5 Daniel Rowe, 6 Harrison Beeden, 7 Lewis Hawkins, 8 Alfie Doherty (15 Aaron Haswell 80m), 9 Max Howells (12 Bradley Fewster 63m), 10 Nathan Thomas (17 Stephen Walker 68m), 11 Junior Mondal. Unused Subs 14 Jacob Gratton, 16 Adam Gell

Referee: Dave Constable
Cautions: Cooke (Stafford), Wheatley (Whitby)
Att: 589

Report by Chris Elsley