Workington AFC v Stafford Rangers

REPORT

Stafford Rangers were unable to make it three Northern Premier League wins in a row after a 2-1 defeat to Workington AFC at Borough Park.

Entering the game with two wins on the trot after victory against Basford United on Tuesday, Matt Hill’s side were looking for a hattrick of success and to make it three on the bounce.

But, despite Nathan Blissett’s second-half goal which set the Rangers on their way to secure three more points, a David Symington double for Workington saw the home side come from behind.

In the first half, Joe Willis saw his early free-kick effort cleared for a corner which led to nothing for the away side as goalkeeper Cameron Belford continued his fantastic form following a great display in the Rangers’ previous match at Basford. Belford denied Workington spectacularly at close-range midway through the first-half to keep the game goalless.

Niah Payne aimed to cause trouble once again and add to his goals against F.C. United of Manchester and Basford. With two goals in the last two matches and in a single week, the Rangers forward tested Workington throughout the first 45. Payne fired over in the 23rd minute following Nathan Blissett’s flick-on before seeing his shot blocked a minute from half-time.

Workington survived a scare from Stafford on the half-hour mark as a Rangers corner led to a goalmouth scramble, but, the home side were able to clear the ball and keep nothing between the sides at the break.

It took Nathan Blissett just a minute in the second 45 to earn the away side the lead as the striker headed home at the near post from a Rangers corner.

However, Workington replied soon after levelling the game ten minutes later, and the Rangers would never regain their lead. The home side were able to run through the away side and hammer home through Symington.

What proceeded was an end-to-end encounter as Workington piled on the pressure. Belford denied the home side before Stafford fell to the same outcome at the other end just after the hour mark.

Goalscorer Nathan Blissett was replaced by Ethan Morgan who broke through the home side’s defence in the 74th minute and was able to find Kaiman Anderson, but the forward man was unable to convert. Belford then denied the home side five minutes later before Joe Willis saw his goal-bound shot blocked for Stafford.

The home side left it late, but completed their comeback in the 87th minute through Symington. The number seven added his and Workington’s second which confirmed defeat for Matt Hill’s men.

The Rangers return to action on bank holiday Monday hosting Matlock at the Stan Robinson Stadium in the Northern Premier League, and we look forward to seeing you back the Boro at home!

Attendance: 709

By Luke Powell