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Post by Wolvensam on Feb 24, 2008 19:04:54 GMT
Since a Wolves legend is now occupying the managerial hot seat of Stafford Rangers F.C I'm going to adopt them as a type of 'second team' (not necessarily supporting, but just keeping my eye on them and their results), I'll also try and keep this thread up to date with recent stories, just as I do with the Wolves thread.
Stafford Rangers are expecting Wolves fans to help pack out Marston Road for the club’s first game with new manager Steve Bull in charge next Saturday.
The former Wolves and England legend was this afternoon watching from the stands as his new team took on Halifax Town at the Shay Stadium in the Blue Square Premier.
He has left caretaker bosses Neil Grayson and Kevin Street in charge for the game and Tuesday’s re-arranged visit to Histon.
Bull will be at the helm when Boro entertain Farsley Celtic next Saturday.
He will formally sign for the club at 12 noon in the social club at Marston Road before the game.
Bull has issued a call for Wolves fans to come and watch him in his first game in charge, when his old team is without a home game.
“I would be over the moon to see any fans, old and new, come along and support me and the lads on Saturday, March 1.
“I am told the ground holds 3,000 and the last home game they had just under 600. If we can fill the place to the rafters, the crowd will be like an extra man and give the team a real lift,” he said.
Stafford travel to Halifax in 22nd position in the Blue Square Premier table having won their last two games at home to Weymouth and away at Forest Green Rovers.
But Bull is refusing to give up hope of avoiding the drop.
He told Sky’s Soccer AM today: “I wouldn’t say I’m confident because the board here have told me to come in and give it my best and see how it goes.
“But we’ve got three games in hand on Altrincham, who are above us, and we still have to play them.
“It’s not mathematically over and until it is. I will keep pumping it into the players to give me 100 per cent and hope we stay up.”
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Post by Wolvensam on Feb 24, 2008 19:05:35 GMT
Halifax 0 Stafford Rangers 0
New Stafford Rangers manager Steve Bull had said he wouldn’t be taking charge of the team until next week’s home game against Frickley Athletic.
But the Wolves legend couldn’t resist having his say and was quickly involved in the game shouting out orders to his players.
Bully had been forced from his seat in the stands when Halifax did most of the early attacking in what was a scrappy opening.
Stafford suffered an early setback in the 26th minute when Draper replaced the limping Hopkinson.
On a very poor playing surface which started to cut up Stafford began to restrict the home side’s chances without seriously threatening the home goal.
Buut there was plenty of nervous moments for the new manager as the home side almost scored with good chances either side of the hour mark.
But the day ended in triumph as Rangers held on for a point to ease their relegation fears.
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Post by Wolvensam on Feb 25, 2008 15:36:41 GMT
With new manager Steve Bull MBE giving instructions from the technical area, Stafford Rangers gained a hard-fought point from a goalless draw at Shay Stadium.
Dolapo Oloaye’s injury meant there was one enforced change to the starting line-up with Marco Adaggio partnering Neil Grayson up front. Ross Draper returned from suspension with a place on the bench though he replaced Steve Hopkinson in the 26th minute.
Halifax got the game under way on a playing surface used the previous evening for Rugby League. The home side attacked the away end at Shay Stadium and, after just 16 seconds, Danny Alcock got down to his right to hold a low long-range shot from Simon Heslop.
Seb Arnolin also tried his luck inside the first minute from well outside the area and fired wide of the left-hand post.
Steve Bull, who began the game seated at the back of the dugout, was quickly on his feet in the technical area and remained there until the final whistle.
Halifax did most of the early attacking and Heslop drive straight at Alcock from 25-yards out. Tom Kearney and Jon Shaw combined to set up Craig Nelthorpe who shot over from no more than 10 yards out.
On the quarter hour, Jon Shaw set up Craig Nelthorpe who fired over from 10 yards out. Alcock was certainly kept on his toes and produced a good save in the 20th minute. Nathan Joynes fed Jon Shaw who saw a rising drive from 15 yards tipped over by the Rangers keeper at the expense of a corner.
Kearney was next to test Alcock. The busy keeper got down to his left to hold a low 25-yards drive. Joynes also headed wide as the home side continued to press for a goal.
Rangers were forced to make a change in the 26th minute when Ross Draper came on for the injured Steve Hopkinson. Arnolin switched to left and the Frenchman was given instructions by his new manager. Marco Adaggio also limped off and was replaced in the 41st minute by Courtney Shaw.
Halifax made a change for the start of the second half with Andy Campbell replacing Joynes.
Chris Flynn chipped the ball forward into the Halifax area. Damion Jarrett, tightly marked by Adam Quinn got on the end but his shot lacked direction.
Halifax appealed for a penalty when Jon Shaw went down inside the area but, fortunately for Rangers, referee Webb allowed play to continue.
In the next attack, Quinn bravely got his head to Nelthorpe’s cross and sent the ball narrowly wide.
The home side made a second change on the hour with Lewis Kileen replacing former Stafford loanee Anthony Griffith.
Ross Draper was booked in the 62nd minute for a foul on Tom Kearney.
Halifax went even closer to taking the lead in the 63rd minute. Shaw took the ball forward and hit a low drive which beat the diving Alcock only to rebound off the right-hand post.
Quinn again went close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful header which Alcock tipped over.
Rangers brought on Matt Hazley in the 65th minute in place of Arnolin.
With the game really opened up, Heslop’s long-range drive took a deflection off Flynn and out for another home corner. Alcock held a 25-yard shot from Kearney at the second attempt.
Rangers won their second corner in the 79th minute, delivered into the six-yard box by Hazley, and both Neil Grayson and Wayne Daniel just failed to apply the finishing touch.
Alcock produced yet another save when he tipped over a rising shot from Kearney.
In the 86th minute, Kevin Street took the ball forward down the middle and laid it to Courtney Shaw in space on the left. The substitute played it back to Street who fired at Adam Legzdins.
Flynn was booked in stoppage time for a foul on Killeen and just before the final whistle, Richie Sutton made a vital tackle on the edge of the Stafford area.
Hillcroft's match stats On target: Halifax 7 Stafford 2 Off target: Halifax 7 Stafford 1 Corners: Halifax 13 Stafford 2 Offside: Halifax 1 Stafford 4 Fouls conceded: Halifax 8 Stafford 11 Yellow cards: Halifax 0 Stafford 2 Red cards: none
(teamsheet) Halifax Town: Legzdins, Davies, Clarke, Quinn, Doughty, Heslop, Kearney, Griffith (Killeen 60), Nelthorpe, Shaw, Joynes (Campbell 46). Unused subs: Stamp, Wright, Whitehouse.
Rangers: Alcock, Gibson, Sutton, Daniel, Flynn, Jarrett, Street, Arnolin (Hazley 65), Hopkinson (Draper 26), Grayson, Adaggio (Shaw 40). Unused subs: Sangare, Ingram.
Referee: D. Webb (Durham). Attendance: 1103 (inc n/k away fans).
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Post by Wolvensam on Feb 25, 2008 15:45:37 GMT
Steve Bull ended his first day in management barely able to speak but voicing fresh determination for Stafford Rangers’ survival fight.
Bull watched his new team make it seven points out of nine with a hard-fought goalless draw at Halifax on Saturday which chipped away at Rangers’ deficit behind Northwich in the relegation-threatened quartet at the foot of the Blue Square Premier.
The Wolves goalscoring legend is back in the hot seat for tomorrow night’s trip to Histon, demanding another gruelling effort from his new charges.
Bull intended taking a back seat on Saturday and watching Rangers from the stand – but he was on the touchline after two minutes and screamed himself hoarse.
“I couldn’t stand it – I didn’t like how we started the game and I wanted to try to help,” said Bull.
“I thought our work rate was poor and we were not sharp enough and I screamed myself hoarse and can still hardly speak today.
“It was a strange experience for the lads because they have not had anyone on the touchline for a while doing that.
“And it was a new experience for me and one that I enjoyed – it was good to be involved again.
“The lads picked their game up and got a very good point. I’ve told them that’s how it’s got to be until the end of the season.
“Obviously we’re thinking about next year as well but for now we are going to give it everything to get out of this mess if we can.
“If somebody had said three games ago we’d get seven points out of nine you would have been well happy.
“The lads are digging in deep. It’s going to be a battle. Everywhere we go it is going to be a battle.”
Bull has ‘put out the feelers’ for new recruits and believes he saw enough from “four or five players” on Saturday to believe they can play at a higher level.
But although midfielder Kevin Street could have pinched victory with a late effort, he was concerned at the lack of goal threat his side carried.
“I’ve got to get these strikers hungry,” he said.
Bull, who highlighted the need for a coaching assistant, plans to watch the Histon match before taking his first training session on Thursday.
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Post by likeasharkinafunnyhat on Feb 27, 2008 15:08:07 GMT
Cobblers legend Neil 'Larry' Grayson scored for Stafford in a 3-3 draw with Histon last night
Very late goals from Damion Jarrett (89) and Djoumin Sangare (90) earned Rangers a point at Histon and extended the unbeaten run to four games.
Histon opened the scoring in first half injury time through Danny Wright. Neil Grayson missed a penalty just before the interval and Wright scored again in the 57th minute.
Grayson bravely reduced the deficit in the 70th minute with a header from Courtney Shaw's cross.
Erkan Okay restored Histon's two goal advantage with an 81st-minute header.
In the 89th minute, Grayson was pushed inside the area by Roscoe Hipperson and Jarrett converted the resulting penalty. In stoppage time, Ishmale Reid's free-kick was headed down by Chris Flynn and Sangare fired home the equaliser.
Before the laet drama, it looked like being a frustrating night for Rangers fans at the Glassworld Stadium as both Flynn and Jarrett had efforts cleared off the line.
Histon (red/black/black): Naisbitt, Pope (Hipperson, 85), Ada, Mitchel-King, Gwillim, Murray, Cambridge (Okay, 75), Kennedy, Knight-Percival, Wright, Midson (Barker, 85). Unused subs: Key, Nightingale.
Stafford Rangers (black and white stripes/white/red): Alcock, Gibson (Sangare, 70), Daniel, Sutton, Flynn, Hazley (Reid, 85), Street, Draper, Arnolin (Shaw, 55), Grayson, Jarrett. Unused subs: Ingram, Meakin-Richards.
Referee: G Stretton (Leicestershire). Attendance: 527.
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Post by Wolvensam on Feb 28, 2008 15:27:23 GMT
Steve Bull was today closing in on his first signing as Stafford Rangers manager – Wolves reserve striker Liam Hughes.
The Molineux Academy teenager was set to sign for Rangers on a month’s loan in time for Bull’s first home game in charge against Farsley Celtic on Saturday.
The move is with a view to keeping him for the rest of the season if he does well.
“Hopefully he’ll score some goals for us which is what we need,” said Bull. “He’s young and enthusiastic and he’s got 12 for the reserves this season.
“I can’t keep him for longer than a month initially, but if he does well, I’ll break the bank to keep him.
“I’ve heard great reviews about him from Mick McCarthy and Jez Moxey, so hopefully he’ll do the business for us.”
Hughes has recently returned from a loan spell at League Two Bury, where he played five games, four as substitute. The Rangers boss is desperate to bolster his side’s firepower in time for his first home game in charge with three frontmen sidelined.
Mario Adaggio (ankle) Nathan Smith (thigh) and Del Olaoye all missed Tuesday’s fine comeback 3-3 draw at Histon.
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Post by Wolvensam on Feb 29, 2008 15:28:56 GMT
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has pledged to help new Stafford Rangers manager Steve Bull any way he can after lending him highly-rated teenage striker Liam Hughes.
The 18-year-old Wolves Academy graduate Hughes is Bull’s first signing as he moved to solve an injury crisis among his strikers.
Hughes – who had a spell on loan at Bury earlier in the season – was the top scorer in the Academy last season and has featured regularly in the reserves.
McCarthy is backing Hughes to pick up a few tips on goalscoring from the Molineux legend during his month’s loan.
“I sent Bully a text to wish him all the best in his new job,” McCarthy said.
“He said he might give me a call for some help and advice and I offered to help him any way I can.
“We’ve sent young Liam out to get some experience and if he can’t learn something from one of the best scorers there was then there’s something seriously wrong.”
Hughes goes straight into the squad to face Farsley for Bull’s first official game since taking over.
Rangers are expecting their biggest crowd of the season as tickets have been selling fast for what has become a high-profile game under the glare of the media.
They will include former Villa and England star turned TV pundit Stan Collymore, who resurrected his career at Rangers.
Bull is well aware of the effect the razzamatazz could have on a Rangers team fighting for their lives in the Blue Square Premier.
The 42-year-old Wolves legend said: “There’s going to be a lot of coverage, but I’m going to take the pressure off the players by being in the limelight.
“All I want them to do is go out and play and fight for everything.””
After a four match unbeaten run, hopes are rising that Bull can pull off a great escape and keep Rangers in the Blue Square Premier.
However, three of the clubs four goalgetters, Nathan Smith, Marco Adaggio and Del Olaoye are all doubts.
“It’s no use moaning that we haven’t got this or that, we’ll have to compensate with what we’ve got and there are some good utility players here,” said Bull.
“It was absolutely brilliant the way they came back at Histon - one of the best comeback games I have seen.
“They need to show the same determination and passion against Farsley, and keep it going for the next 15 games. We’ve got Liam initially for a month and we’ll see how it goes after that.”
Rangers (from): Alcock, Allen, Gibson, Ingram, Sangare, Daniel, Sutton, Street, Draper, Jarrett, Hopkinson, Shaw, Flynn, Arnolin, Adaggio, Grayson, Olaoye, Meakin-Richards, Reid, Hughes.
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Post by Wolvensam on Mar 1, 2008 18:38:54 GMT
Stafford manager Steve Bull’s dream home debut against fellow strugglers Farsley Celtic failed to come off as Rangers lost 2-0.
The pressure of the bumper crowd and the injury crisis could have got to the Stafford players who worked hard but never really got on top of a workmanlike Farsley side who seemed to be boosted by the packed ground.
And after a number of near misses Stafford eventually went behind after 25 minutes.
Farsley’s Watson got to the byline and his cross picked out Torpey at the far post whose powerful downward header gave Allock no chance.
Bully roared his team on from the sideline as Rangers battled for the equaliser but sadly for them Farsley went further ahead in the second half to give Stafford a mountain to climb in their battle to avoid the drop. This article posted on March 1, 2008 at 6:42 pm. Bookmark this page
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Post by arover on Mar 10, 2008 15:42:58 GMT
You'll never catch the Vics.
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Post by Wolvensam on Mar 19, 2008 19:26:30 GMT
Stafford Rangers were again out of luck against Oxford United as they took all three points with an 11th-minute goal from Matt Green.
Manager Steve Bull made six changes to the starting line-up with Liam Hughes and Marco Addagio both returning to the forward line having missed last Saturday's draw at Woking. In midfield, Samy Mawene, Damion Jarrett and Matt Hazley all started with Steve Hopkinson at left back. Oxford had former Stafford reserve Billy Turley in goal.
With drizzle falling at Marston Road, which hardly stopped during the game, Oxford got the game underway attacking the Social Club.
Hopkinson was the first player to go for goal with a 40-yard shot which was blocked by a defender on the edge of the visitors' area.
There was early danger for Stafford when Green broke down the right and crossed low into the area. The ball was aimed for Justin Richards but Wayne Daniel got back to clear at the expense of a corner.
On what looked like a slippery surface, Green again crossed from the right and Phil Trainer headed wide of the right-hand post from just eight yards out.
Djoumin Sangare was booked in the 11th minute for a foul on Green, just before the same Oxford striker scored the only goal. Eddie Anaclet slipped a pass through to Green who sent a rising right foot shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards out, giving Alcock no chance.
With former striker Chris Camden watching from the main stand, Stafford looked to bounce back from this early setback. Richie Sutton's long throw from the right was headed back by Hughes into the path of Mawene who fired straight at Turley from the edge of the area. Mawene also went close with a low 20-yard drive which flashed past the left-hand post.
Midway through the first half, Mawene turned provider to set up a chance for Hughes who flicked the ball wide at the near post.
Oxford's two front men proved to be a real handful during the first half. Richards turned on the edge of the area and sent his left-foot shot just wide of the target.
Adaggio nipped in between two defenders to head wide and Sutton drove straight at Turley as Rangers tried to threaten. Mawene delivered a near-post corner which Hughes headed across the face of goal.
As the interval neared, Jamie Hand was sent down the left by Anaclet's pass and crossed into the area. The ball fell to Green who shot over the bar.
Steve Bull made two changes at the interval with Hughes and Adaggio replaced by Neil Grayson and Nathan Smith.
Danny Alcock pulled off the first of several excellent second-half saves shortly after play resumed. He dived to his right to push away a well-struck drive from Trainer before Anaclet wasted a straight-forward chance to double Oxford's lead at the far post. He got on the end of Green's low cross from the right and steered the ball wide of the target. Hand fired straight at Alcock from 25-yards.
Six minutes after the restart, Rangers were awarded a free-kick just outside the Oxford area for a foul on Ross Draper. Smith curled the ball around the wall and flew out for a corner after taking a deflection.
Oxford took off Richards in the 59th minute and brought on Craig McAllister who had faced Rangers before during his time at Woking. Soon after, Anaclet burst down the right and crossed into the area. Green slid in to hit what looked like a goalbound shot until Alcock somehow produced a fine reaction save.
Stafford made their third and final substitution in the 68th minute with Chris Flynn replacing Sangare and the change resulting in a reshuffle at the back. Mawene delivered a free-kick into a packed Oxford area, which was punched out by Turley to Hazley who volleyed over the bar from fully 30 yards out.
Alcock was named Man of the Match by the sponsors and produced another class save to keep Rangers' deficit at one. Hand fed McAllister who looked to have steered a 12-yard shot into the bottom left corner. The Rangers keeper had other ideas and dived full length to turn the ball round. Barry Quinn sent a downward header straight at Alcock from the resulting corner delivered by Adam Murray.
Jarrett caught Luke Foster with a stiff challenge in the 74th minute and was yellow carded by Mr Tierney after consulting his assistant over of the Lotus side touchline.
Oxford launched a swift break, Murray took the ball forward and drove both over the bar and Shed End stand. Matt Day saw 'yellow' in the 79th minute for a foul on Draper.
Day tried his luck from well outside the Stafford area and sent his shot high and wide of the left-hand post. Flynn required several minutes of treatment off the field for a cut below his right eye following a challenge by Green.
Stafford appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty in the 86th minute when Draper went down inside the area.
Alcock again excelled at full time approached to turn round a deflected shot from Trainer and also gathered up an 18-yard shot from Anaclet. Oxford replaced Trainer with Danny Rose in the 89th minute.
In stoppage time, Murray shot wide of an unguarded goal from 40 yards out.
(teamsheet)
Stafford Rangers (black and white stripes / black / black): 1. Danny Alcock, 2. Richie Sutton, 5. Wayne Daniel (capt), 6. Djoumin Sangare, 24. Steve Hopkinson, 35. Damion Jarrett, 22, Samy Mawene, 17. Ross Draper, 37. Matt Hazley, 20. Marco Adaggio, 41. Liam Hughes. Subs: 9. Neil Grayson (for Hughes, ht), 15, Nathan Smith (for Adaggio, ht), 7. Chris Flynn (for Sangare, 68), 30. Ishmale Reid, 33. Danny Allen.
Oxford United (blue / blue/ white): 1. Billy Turley, 21. Matt Day, 4. Barry Quinn (capt), 16. Luke Foster, 14. Michael Howard, 2. Eddie Anaclet, 23. Adam Murray, 26. Jamie Hand, 18. Phil Trainer, 24. Matt Green, 25. Justin Richards. Subs: 12. Craig McAllister (for Richards, 59), 11. Danny Rose (for Trainer, 89), 22. Michael Blackwood, 37. Alex Fisher, 38. Declan Benjamin.
Referee: P. Tierney (Lancashire) Attendance: 962 (inc 277 away fans)
Match Sponsor: Horsleys Removals of Stafford Ball Sponsor: Neil Till Mascot: Victoria Ellen Turner Sponsors Man of the Match: Danny Alcock
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Post by Wolvensam on Mar 31, 2008 17:22:06 GMT
Stafford Rangers produced the battling performance demanded by manager Steve Bull MBE as they suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of runaway league leaders Aldershot Town.
Rob Elvins put the visitors ahead in the 41st minute but Nick Wellecomme netted his first Stafford goal just after the hour mark to level things up. However, John Grant scored what proved to be the winner three minutes later.
Both managers made four changes. For Stafford, compared to the side that started at Altrincham on Monday, Djimi Sangare was serving the first of a two-match ban, Marco Adaggio was missing with a hamstring injury, Matt Hazley has been released and Steve Hopkinson was amongst the substitutes. Coming into the starting line-up were Nathan Smith, Samy Mawene, Ishmale Reid and new signing Jonathan Loukes. Aldershot were able to sart with midfielder Scott Davies as they have appealled against his red card at Droylsden two days ago.
Stafford chose to attack the Social Club end in the first half looking to take advantage of a strong wind which turned out to perhaps ber a hinderance to both sides particularly in the first half. Aldershot kicked off and in the 4th minute John Grant fired wide of the near post from the left-hand side of the area.
Mawene shot wide of the near right-hand post and in the 11th minute forced Nikki Bull to tip over a serving shot hit from 20 yards. Lewis Chalmers drove over the Stafford bar from 25 yards out from Louie Soares laid back.
On the quarter hour Mawene fired a wind-assisted 40-yard free-kick threw a populated area and wide of the left-hand post, hoping for a deflection. Grant fired wide as Aldershot broke forward and defender Rob Gier got up with the attack to pull a shot well wide of the left-hand post. The visitors created a good chance in the 24th minute. Elvins crossed from the left and Grant put his header wide.
Loukes on his debut was booked in the 31st minute just before Bull did well to turn round a rising shot from Reid at the expense of a corner. Danny Alcock raced off his line to block a shot from Ben Harding who got on the end of Scott Davies' throughball.
Aldershot took the lead in the 41st minute. Soares fed Elvins who curled a shot from the left side of the area past Alcock and into the opposite side of the net. In first-half stoppage time Harding thumped a free-kick straight at Alcock from 25 yards out.
The visitors made a change at the interval with Scott Donnelly replacing the injured Davies. Stafford had a go at the start of the second half and Reid sent a 30-yard free-kick over the bar. Richie Sutton also shot over as well. Alcock produced a fine save in the 53rd minute to tip over a dipping 35-yard volley from Elvins.
Stafford got back on level terms in the 62nd minute. Smith got space on the right to deliver a perfect cross for Wellecomme to power a header past Bull from no more than eight yards out.
Three minutes later, Aldershot won a corner which Donnelly delivered into the six-yard box for Grant to head home.
Rangers showed spirit in battling for an equaliser and in the 71st minute Mawene crossed from the right. Wellecomme dived bravely at the ball and sent a header inches wide of the right-hand post.
In the 78th minute, Damion Jarrett replaced Smith and Elvins was booked four minutes later for a foul on Alcock. Stafford didn't give up th efight. Jarrett fired over from Reid's pass and Bull dived to his left to hold a volley by Jarrett. Aldershot made a second change in stoppage time, Danny Hylton replaced Grant, Alcock prevented Elvins from adding a third Aldershot goal just before the end.
Hillcroft's match facts On target Stafford 4 Aldershot 6 Off target Stafford 8 Aldershot 9 Corners Stafford 6 Aldershot 4 Offside Stafford 8 Aldershot 4 Fouls Stafford 13 Aldershot 17 Yellow cards Stafford 1 Aldershot 1 Red cards none
Stafford Rangers (black and white stripes / black / black): 1. Danny Alcock, 38. Alex Gibson, 5. Wayne Daniel (capt), 2. Richie Sutton, 7. Chris Flynn, 22. Samy Mawene 17. Ross Draper, 43. Jonathan Loukes, 30. Ishmale Reid, 42. Nick Wellecombe, 15. Nathan Smith. Subs: 35. Damion Jarrett (for Smith, 78), 18. Alan Dodd, 19. Seb Arnolin, 24, Steve Hopkinson, 33. Danny Allen (gk).
Aldershot Town (red / red / red): 1. Nikki Bull, 20. Rob Gier, 18. David Winfield, 5. Rhys Day (capt), 6. Anthony Charles, 7. Louie Soares, 8. Lewis Chalmers, 16. Scott Davies, 19. Ben Harding, 9. John Grant, 10. Rob Elvins. Subs: 24. Scott Donnelly (for Davies, ht), 14. Danny Hylton (for Grant, 90), 17. Kirk Hudson, 25. Junior Mendes, 33. Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz (gk).
Referee: M. Matadar (Lancashire) Attendance: 981 (inc 417 away fans)
Match Sponsor: Staffordshire Newsletter Ball Sponsor: Staffordshire Gulls Mascots: - Sponsors Man of the Match: Nick Wellecomme
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Post by Wolvensam on Mar 31, 2008 17:25:23 GMT
Not looking good for the Staffs at all.. Bully would have to be god to save them now. Unless they win all of their remaining fixtures I can see them going down.
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Post by Wolvensam on Apr 1, 2008 17:43:11 GMT
Stafford Rangers face a long journey to Grays Athletic as they look to end a run of four straight defeats. The game was originally scheduled for early February but had to be rearranged due to Rangers progress in the FA Carlsberg Trophy.
Manager Steve Bull MBE faces the choice of naming the same starting line-up which bravely battled against runaway league leader Aldershot Town on Saturday. Djimi Sangare misses the chance to face his old club as he serves the second game of a two-match ban. Kevin Street may be fit enough to play some part. Definitely out are Marcio Adaggio, who could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring problem, and Del Oloaye who is nearing a comeback.
Grays manager Mick Woodward, who is also the Chairman, has just about a full squad to choose from with Andy Sambrook the notable absentee with a groin injury. Recent loan signing Jeff Goulding is one player Rangers need to keep an eye on. He moved to Grays from Fisher Athletic where he was top scorer with 11 goals and is an England C international.
The game tonight will be the fifth meeting between Stafford and Grays. The first was in the FA Trophy back in January 1993 when Grays made full use of home advantage to record a 1-0 win. The other three previous meeting have been in the Conference and Blue Square Premier. Last season, on the opening day, it finished 1-1 at Grays. Michael Kightly opened the scoring in the 6th minute only for Rangers to quickly equalise with a Neil Grayson penalty. Rangers won the return 4-2 at Marston Road with Craig McAughtrie scoring one of the goals with a spectacular long-range strike. Earlier this season, Grays won 2-0 in the Marston Road sunshine with first-half goals from Charley Hearn and Gavin Grant.
Directions: From Junction 30 of the M25, take the A13 towards Southend. At the Grays exit follow the signs to the town centre. Upon entering the one-way system, keep left then continue up the hill for about 1/2 mile. Turn right into Bridge Road. The ground is on your right.
Parking within the ground is very limited, but there is a small, free public car park opposite the main entrance. Grays train station is a seven minute walk away and there is a large multi-storey car park just six minutes away, near the station.
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Post by arover on Apr 4, 2008 14:54:05 GMT
They play Vics at the weekend & if Vics win they have a serious chance of avoiding the drop.
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Post by Wolvensam on Jun 7, 2008 12:14:04 GMT
Pre-season friendlies:
July 16th Halesowen (a), July 19th Shrewsbury Town (h), July 23rd Walsall (h), July 26th Kidderminster (h) August 2nd Wrexham (h).
We now face Blue Square Premier side Wrexham rather than Port Vale as originally announced.
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