First day defeat for Rangers

 Source: Staffordshire Newsletter

 DEFENSIVE errors cost Stafford Rangers' new boss Greg Clowes and his new look team on the opening day of the Evo-Stik premier campaign.

Rangers, relegated from the Blue Square North last season, found themselves chasing the game from as early as the first minute, in fact the new term was only 30 seconds old when visiting FC United of Manchester took the lead.

From a corner, given away by defender Charlie Reeves, visiting forward Matthew Wolfenden headed home from close range and Rangers were immediately facing an uphill battle against a well drilled United outfit, backed by around 800 of their own supporters.

Only good goalkeeping by Danny Read kept out a hungry FC United side, while a volley way off the mark from Rangers wide man Peter Heler was the only real response in a disappointing opening 45 minutes for the hosts.

On the stroke of half-time, Rangers fell further behind when pacey winger Carlos Roca whipped in a low cross and Dean Stott raced in to fire home, with the Rangers back line again caught out.

Rangers came a little more into the game after the break, but never really threatened visiting keeper James Spencer, while Read at the other end was again called upon to thwart Ben Deegan (twice) and Nicky Platt as FC United ran out worthy winners.

Boro team: Read, George, Skelton, Donnelly, Reeves, Douglas, Heler, Blackhurst, Budrys, Shotton, Chapman. Subs used, Thompson (for Budrys 63), KInsella (for Chapman 63), Stevenson (for Heler 77); Not used, Rogers, Wood. Referee: Nick Hopton (Derby); Att: 1,701