Published: 07/02/2010 00:00 - Updated: 11/02/2010 11:17

Rangers battle back for away point

STAFFORD Rangers battled back to pick up a well earned point away to Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday - after surviving a late penalty scare!

After the disappointment of losing out to high riding Southport the previous weekend, Rangers were on the receiving end in the first half at play-off hopefuls Stalybridge, who took the lead on 15 minutes with a fierce drive from captain Keith Briggs.

Rangers, unchanged from the Southport game, fellow further behind on 38 minutes when Dave Hankin's cross was turned in by Connor Jennings.

Visiting boss Chris Brindley introduced experienced campaigner Tony Dinning, for young striker Warwick Alexander, at the start of the second half and the former Wolves man soon began to make an impression for the Boro.

Ten minutes into the second half, the pacey Fabrice Kasiama cut the deficit, firing home from 15 yards. However, Rangers had to wait until the final ten minutes to find an equaliser.

On-loan Carlisle midfielder Michael Burns picked out Tom Thorley with a superb through ball and the former Stoke City player found the top corner of the net with a rasping drive.

However, Rangers appeared to have thrown it away in injury time when captain Nick Wellecomme was adjudged to have fouled home substitute Jody Banin in the Rangers area, but visiting keeper Lee Evans emerged the hero, saving Graeme Law's spot kick.

Twelth place Rangers continue on their travels on February 13 with the long trek to Blyth Spartans, who knocked Boro out the FA Trophy earlier in the season. Next home game for Rangers is against Chasetown in the quarter finals of the Staffs Senior Cup on February 16 (7.45pm).