STAFFORD Rangers take a short break from their end of season league run in when hitting the cup trail this evening.
The Boro entertain Evo Stik premier rivals and holders Rushall Olympic in the quarter finals of the Walsall Senior Cup, at Marston Road (7.45pm).
It is the first season Rangers have entered this competition and manager Greg Clowes will be keen to lift his first piece of silverware with the club.
On the path to the last eight, Rangers have seen off lowler league opponents in Wolverhampton Casuals (3-1) and Stafford Town (2-1).
In last season’s final, at the Bescot Stadium, Rushall defeated Brocton to take the trophy, and it is the Badgers who will visit the winners of tonight’s clash in the semi-finals. Walsall FC have already secured their place in the final which will be played towards the end of the season.
On the league front, Rangers remained in mid-table after a fourth draw in five against fourth place visitors Marine on Saturday.
It was a hard-earned point for Rangers, although Clowes felt his side should have taken all three with the chances they created.
With Fabrice Kasiama sidelined with a hamstring problem and fellow striker Karl Ashton out for the rest of the season with a broken ankle, Clowes brought in another new face.
The Boro boss approached neighbours Hednesford Town and obtained the services of experienced front man Sean O’Connor on a month’s loan and he made his debut against Marine.
There were also home debuts for Chris Flynn, who has started his second spell at the club, and fellow defender Christian Smith, both of whom impressed.
After this evening’s cup clash, Rangers return to league duty, looking for their first win in six when visiting eighth place Buxton on Saturday (3pm).
When the sides met at Stafford in December they shared four goals with Kasiama hitting a brace for the Boro. Buxton are in contention for a play-off spot this season.
Another important date for your diary concerns Rangers’ youth squad who face Hednesford Town Youth in the semi- finals of the Staffs FA Midweek Floodlit Cup, at Marston Road on Thursday, March 14 (7.30pm). Admission prices are £2. See inside for match preview.
