STAFFORD RANGERS 3 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC 3
STAFFORD Rangers threw away vital points in a match that produced six goals and two red cards in the Marston Road mud on Saturday, writes Dave McLean.
But it was a fixture that will, sadly, be remembered for a mass brawl in front of the main stand that could lead to further consequences for the two clubs.
Rangers were looking to boost their play-off hopes against a Frickley side who had not picked up a single point on their league travels this season.
And despite getting the perfect start, Greg Clowesf charges were guilty of sloppy second half defending and they had to settle for a disappointing home draw.
gWe were 2-0 up at half time and coasting.
All we had to do in the second half was keep things solid at the back, do the basics like we did at Ilkeston last week,h said Clowes.
However, poor defending enabled Frickley to get back in the game and the visitors levelled for a second time in the fifth minute of stoppage time to deny Boro the win.
Just 14 minutes in and Rangers took a deserved lead when Fabrice Kasiama got down the left and crossed for Christian Dacres to head home at the far post.
Rangers continued to rule with Dacres firing just wide of the far post with a cross shot, while Karl Ashton pulled the ball back for Danny Quinn who fired just over.
On 35 minutes Rangers increased the lead with a superb effort from Kasiama, who played one-twos with Ryan Brown and Quinn, before drilling a low shot past helpless Frickley keeper Jamie Green.
At this stage it looked only a matter of how many Rangers would score as Quinn twice went close to adding to the home tally.
Rangers continued to press at the start of the second period with Jimmy Turner getting on the end of a Kasiama corner but hooking over.
However, on 51 minutes, the match changed dramatically after a lunging tackle by Frickley captain Matty Bloor on Peter Heler, directly in front of the main stand.
This led to a brawl involving many players and officials, the outcome of which saw the referee show red cards to Bloor and Rangers defender Turner, while Frickleyfs Milah Bleau was booked and assistant manager James Dudgeon was sent to the stand.
The incident appeared to affect Rangers more so and on the hour, Frickley pulled a goal back when the home defence failed to deal with a Jake Picton cross and Chris Wood netted on the turn.
On 71 minutes, Frickley grabbed an equaliser when Luke Jeffs delivered into the Rangers area and Picton slid in to find the net.
Rangers finally responded when Ashton raced away but his effort was blocked by Green. With five minutes remaining, Dacres put Ashton clear again but this time the home striker drove wide of the far post.
But this late Rangers pressure was rewarded on 87 minutes when Lee Downes picked out Kasiama, whose shot was blocked, but fell to Luke George who drove home his second league goal of the campaign.
It looked as though Rangers had rescued the game, but Frickley continued to battle and in the fifth minute of injury time a corner from Chris Howarth was headed home by fellow substitute Liam Hardy.
gAll in all I am extremely disappointed that we were 3-2 up going into added time and conceded. We had more than enough chances to win this game,h said Clowes.
For the record Teams: Rangers - Adam Alcock, Jimmy Turner, Ryan Brown, Luke George, James Bolton, Christian Dacres (Ollie Davies 82), Peter Heler, Lee Downes, Karl Ashton, Danny Quinn (Michael Carr 61), Fabrice Kasiama (Sean Kinsella 90). Subs not used, Levi Reid, Alex Curtis.
Frickley - Jamie Green, Luke Jeffs, Chris Fisher, Jake Picton, Milah Bleau, Patrece Liburd, Terry Barwick, Matty Bloor, Luke Hinsley (Chris Howarth 81), Chris Wood (Liam Hardy 87), Jimmy Ghaichem (Dave Buck 55). Subs not used, Jason Yates, Zack Levers.
Sent off: Jimmy Turner (Rangers), Matty Bloor (Frickley); Booked: Milah Bleau (Frickley).
Referee: Dumitru-Ravel Cheosiaua (Redditch); Att: 398.
¡ Next up for Rangers is a tough away fixture at Evo Stik premier leaders North Ferriby United on Saturday (3pm).
That is followed by a trip to lowly Stocksbridge Park Steels on February 23.
Rangers then return home for league fixtures against Witton Albion (February 26) and Marine (March 2).
Other fixtures next month are Buxton (away, March 9), Eastwood Town (home, March 16), Whitby Town (home, March 23) and Witton Albion (away, March 30).
On Easter Monday Boro entertain Ashton United.
