Six new rivals set to visit Marston Road

 Source: Staffordshire Newsletter

 STAFFORD Rangers will face no fewer than six new opponents next season.

The FA’s release of the 2012/13 league allocations shows the Evo-Stik Northern Premier league with 22 clubs.

They include promoted Ilkeston, Grantham Town (from the NPL division one South), Witton Albion and AFC Fylde (both NPL division one North).

In addition, Rangers will also face the relegated pair of Blyth Spartans and Eastwood Town, both of whom were demoted from the Blue Square North.

Following Northwich Victoria’s ground problems and their subsequent relegation to NPL division one (South), Frickley Athletic have been reprieved.

Other NPL premier sides are, Ashton United, Buxton, Chorley, Hednesford Town, FC United, Kendal, Marine, Matlock, Nantwich, North Ferriby, Rushall Olympic, Stocksbridge PS, Whitby Town and Worksop Town.

Rangers have so far confirmed six preseason friendly dates, starting with Congleton Town (home) on June 28.

That is followed by Stone Dominoes (away, July 7), Tamworth (home, July 14), Kidderminster Harriers (home, July 21), Llandudno (away, Aug 4) and Kidsgrove Athletic (away, Aug 11).

Rangers Chairman Mike Hughes will step down from his post at the end of this month after two years in the job. He will remain as a director.

Street and Read emerge heroes as Boro celebrate win

 Source: Staffordshire Newsletter

 FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 1

STAFFORD RANGERS 2

STAFFORD Rangers stunned promotionchasing FC United of Manchester with a much improved performance at Gigg Lane to return home with all three points.

Rangers were forced into one change from the side beaten by Hednesford Town on Bank Holiday Monday. Harry Clayton was laid low with tonsillitis and his place was taken by Jon Sheldon.

Boro boss Greg Clowes chose a 4-5-1 formation to match their high-flying opponents and it certainly worked with United intent on building slowly and being stifled by Rangers’ hard-working midfield.

Rangers went close in the 17th minute when Sheldon’s inswinging corner dropped onto the roof of the net. On 27 minutes, a cross from Sheldon was almost turned into his own net by Adam Jones.

Three minutes later, Rangers were celebrating as they took the lead. A fine through ball from former United midfielder Michael Carr picked out Peter Heler who hit a fierce shot which James Spencer found too hot to handle and the ball flew past the home keeper and into the net.

Things got even better for the Rangers four minutes before the break when they doubled their lead with one of the goals of the season.

Rangers were awarded a free-kick outside the area. Carr delivered the ball into Ryan Dicker who had found space and the centre-back flicked the ball off his heel and into the top corner.

United bounced straight back and Kevin Street was on hand to chest a volley from Mike Norton off the line.

Rangers started the second half in the same positive light with United bringing on Carlos Roca after 53 minutes to add some pace into a lethargic performance.

United were gifted a glorious chance on the hour when a diabolical back pass from Luke George failed to reach Danny Read. Norton nipped in, rounded Read and was then brought down in the penalty area by Dicker.

Dicker, somewhat surprisingly, was only shown a yellow card and to compound matters for the home side, Read pulled off an excellent penalty save for the second game running to thwart Roca.

United were building up a head of steam and Read was again called into action to save from Ben Deegan who was allowed a free-header in the six-yard box.

The home side eventually pulled a goal back 16 minutes from time. Roca’s corner was met by Jones whose header was well saved by Read but the rebound fell to Norton who nodded home.

Rangers were again indebted to Street in the 82nd minute. Another corner from Roca was headed goalwards by Jones and Street was on hand to clear off the line.

The ball came out to Norton whose volley was deflected for a corner. As hard as the home side pressed, Rangers held on to record an excellent victory.

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

Big gate expected for Boro opener

 Source: Staffordshire Newsletter

 STAFFORD Rangers are set for a bumper opening day in the Evo Stik Premier League after new fixtures released yesterday gave them a home clash against FC United of Manchester on August 13.

In terms of travelling support they do not come much bigger than FC United, a club formed in 2005 by supporters of Manchester United dissatisfied following Malcolm Glazer’s controversial takeover at Old Trafford.

The Marston Road big kick-off could well attract a 2,000 plus gate, which will be much welcomed by Rangers, who have struggled financially these past few years.

FC United were promoted as champions in their first two seasons in the North West Counties League (division two and one), then won the play-offs in the NPL division one (North) the following year.

This will be their fourth campaign in the Evo-Stik league premier (NPL) having finished sixth, 13th and fourth last term before missing out in the play-offs at the hands of Colwyn Bay.

Rangers, who this week confirmed additional signings in former midfielder Kevin Street and ex-Newcastle Town striker Neville Thompson (both noncontract), face a six-match opening month to the league programme, including a trip to local rivals Hednesford Town on Bank Holiday Monday (Aug 29).

Over the Christmas period they will visit Nantwich Town on Boxing Day, with the return on Easter Monday, while receiving the Pitmen on January 2.

Another big crowd is expected when Chester FC visit on September 24.

In the FA Cup draw, Rangers hit the trail in the first qualifying round on September 17, with an away tie against one of four clubs, Castle Vale, Heath Hayes, Bloxwich United or AFC Wulfrunians.

Rangers also enter the FA Trophy at the same stage (Oct 22) and an intriguing tie is on the cards, with the club drawn away to new manager Greg Clowes’ old team- Newcastle Town or Daventry-based Woodford United.

Opening month’s league fixtures Aug 13 v FC United of Manchester (h), 17 v Worksop Town (a), 20 v Stocksbridge PS (a), 23 v Chorley (h), 27 v Whitby Town (h), 29 v Hednesford Town (a).

See www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk for full fixture card.