Dare to dream?

Stafford Rangers U18’s will dare to dream again of an FA Youth Cup run after a 2-1 victory against Coton Green, writes Luke Powell.

The new-look Boro boys squad will look to follow in the footsteps of last year’s U18’s side who reached the final preliminary round – falling just one round short of the first proper – and embark on a memorable cup run themselves.

Fin Clements bagged two first-half goals for the Rangers as the home side came from behind after Harry Gatton’s sixth-minute opener for Coton Green.

Once again, former Spurs and Ireland U21 International player Andy Turner leads the side with first team back-up goalkeeper Jack Sandel the skipper. The Rangers U18’s played at the newly re-named Stan Robinson Stadium as Stafford Rangers announced a new deal with the business that sees them gain the naming rights of Marston Road.

Disaster struck early on the six-minute for the home side as Gatton stroked home the opener into the bottom right corner past Sandel in net. Like most youth games it was an energetic and fiery encounter with end-to-end football throughout.

The Rangers U18’s looked for an instant reply as Zane Johnson-Hughes broke through the defence but saw his shot saved. Aiden Parker impressed throughout and it became evident that he’d spent time with the Rangers first team during pre-season, as the midfielder created ample opportunities and was unlucky to not see his cross from the left turned home by a Boro man.

Parker was involved once again as he earnt the home side their chance to get level from the penalty spot. The midfielder was deemed to have been brought down by goalkeeper Jimmy Griffiths and striker Fin Clements stepped forward to pull it back to one each. Clements converted low to the right in the 23rd minute, with Griffiths diving the wrong way.

The striker was unlucky not to have a second seven minutes later as his effort struck the woodwork twice – hitting the bar and then the post. Somehow Clements’ effort was kept out and Coton Green survived.

However, the sides weren’t level for long as Clements bagged his and the Boro boys’ second. Goalkeeper Jack Sandel’s ball over the top reached the front man who finished with composure past Griffiths to give the Rangers a half time lead.

The second half saw competitive action but no goals, and a scrappy affair. The intensity was still high from both teams and Coton Green came ever so close to levelling in the 58th minute. The post denied the away side before super Sandel held the follow-up.

Dylan Adcock continued to show promise on the wing for the Rangers bursting through with pace, but was unable to convert before Parker forced a top-draw save from Griffiths in net to deny the midfielders thunderstrike nestling in the top corner.

Fin Clements will have left the ground wondering how he didn’t grab his hattrick, heading wide late on from close-range. But, nobody can fault his and the Boro boys’ performance as the Rangers U18’s progress through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup with their comeback victory.

Written by Luke Powell, reporting from the Stan Robinson Stadium.