STAFFORD Rangers finally got off the mark with a first win in five against visiting Matlock Town, writes Dave McLean.
Recalled striker Simon Everall grabbed the only goal of the game, but it was not a performance that was pleasing on the eye for the 400 crowd.
Matlock, hit by injuries so far this season, certainly looked the more likely side in the opening half an hour as new on-loan Derby County winger Kane Richards gave the home defence a few anxious moments.
As early as the seventh minute he set up Lewis McMahon, but the Matlock forward chipped the ball wide.
James Lukic then missed a good chance with a header from a corner on 16 minutes, before Richards eased passed home defender Ryan Brown and fired across tghe face of the home goal.
Either side of the half hour mark, Everall firstly had an effort saved by Matlock keeper Jon Kennedy after good work by on-loan Tamworth winger Luke Bottomer, before giving Rangers a 32nd minute lead.
Danny Quinn raced on to a throw down the line and his pin-point cross was headed home by Everall,
Both sides created chances in the second period, the best falling to Richards with two minutes of normal time remaining, but he headed over from only six yards and Rangers survived to pick up their first three point haul.
Rangers will look to continue their winning ways when visiting Grantham Town in a return Evo Stilk game on Tuesday night. Last month, Grantham snatched a late 1-0 victory at Marston Road.
