Published: 04/02/2010 00:00 - Updated: 11/02/2010 11:17

Rangers bid to bounce back after defeat

After suffering their first defeat of 2010 at the hands of promotion-chasers Southport, a return to winning ways will be the target for Stafford Rangers on Saturday.

Having won three successive games, Rangers looked capable of causing an upset against second place Southport this week.

Boro took a deserved interval lead, as newly-appointed captain and leading scorer Nick Wellecomme notched his tenth goal of the campaign.

But the outcome left Rangers manager Chris Brindley and the entire Marston Road camp disappointed to say the least as Southport struck back with a controversial penalty and a stoppage- time winner.

Rangers must now pick themselves up for the first of two tough successive away league fixtures against seventh place, managerless Stalybridge Celtic this weekend, followed by the long trek to Blyth Spartans on Saturday week.

Stalybridge lost the services of boss Steve Burr last week after the former Rangers striker took over at premier side Kidderminster Harriers. Benny Phillips is now in temporary charge at the Bower Fold.

Over the past week, Stalybridge have suffered twice at the hands of Blyth, who moved above Rangers on Tuesday night with a 1-0 success at Celtic.

Another Marston Road departure last week was that of defender Curtley Williams, who has been offered a deal with a Spanish club, having made six Boro appearances.

Next home fixture for Rangers is in the Staffs Senior Cup quarter finals, at home to Chasetown on Tuesday, February 16 (7.45pm).