A TOP half spot will be the target for Stafford Rangers this weekend when they return home after two impressive wins on the road, writes Dave McLean.
Over the past week, Rangers have seen off promotion hopefuls FC United and Marine in their own back yards, performances described by delighted Boro boss Greg Clowes as “two great results.” But the bigger test, according to Clowes, is this Saturday’s home clash against strugglers Stocksbridge Park Steels.
“After two great away results now we look forward to Saturday and the visit of Stocksbridge, a team below us who are fighting for their lives.” With Rangers having only chalked up two home league wins so far this season, Clowes warned: “I anticipate a real tough game. Nobody wants to win at home more than me.
“We’ve got to make it hard for teams coming to Marston Road, but so far this season we haven’t done that.” However, with the recent arrival of former Chasetown striker Chris Morris from Romulus and fellow forward Alan Nagington back from honeymoon, Clowes believes he has good competition for places right now.
“Having a lot of competition for places does help. It gives you more options and I thought our win at Marine was a very good professional performance. We have got to build on that now.
“We went to Marine to win and now we’ve pulled off two great wins against two good sides in this league.
“I wasn’t pleased with our covering in the first half at Marine, but we asked for a reaction at half time and got one.” Nevertheless, Clowes is still looking to improve the squad and has former FC United striker Ben Deegan on his radar.
Deegan faced Rangers at Stafford on the opening day of the campaign and came on as a substitute in the recent away fixture, but last week joined Evo Stik division one outfit New Mills.
This weekend’s fixture gives Rangers the opportunity to make it three successive premier wins for the first time this season, after which the Boro face another tough three-match spell against teams in the top six.
On Saturday week, Rangers visit fourth place Chorley (Jan 28), then they entertain Bradford Park Avenue (Feb 4), before visiting leaders Chester on February 11.
However, if they pick up all three points this weekend and other results go in their favour, then Rangers could well be sitting in a top half spot by Saturday tea time.
Other fixtures include: Ashton United v Rushall Olympic, Bradford PA v Nantwich, Kendal Town v Matlock Town, Chester v Hednesford, Buxton v Chorley, Chasetown v FC United.
