STAFFORD Rangers had to settle for back to back goalless home draws as they held play-off hopefuls Marine at Marfston Road.
As was the outcome in midweek against fifth place Witton Albion, it was stalemate again against the team in fourth spot in the Evo Stik premier.
Rangers gave two players, Christian Smith and on-loan Hednesford striker Sean O'Connor, their debuts and a third, Chris Flynn, was starting his second spell at the club.
However it was a very stop-start affair in the opening half hour as both sides had to introduce substitutes due to injuries to Sean Kinsella and Marine's Shaun Dowling.
A snap shot from Rangers defender Ryan Brown was held by visiting keeper Ryan McMahon, while home keeper Ben Garratt denied Matty Devine.
On 34 minutes, Christian Dacres let fly from full 30 yards and saw his well drilled effort tipped over by McMahon.
It was early on in the second period when Rangers could have killed the game off, with three chances all falling to top scorer Danny Quinn.
Flynn picked out Quinn with a well measured pass on 56 minutes, but Quinn hooked over from close range.
Two minutes later a cross was O'Connor was blocked and fell for Quinn, who was wide of the mark. After 63 minutes, Flynn won the ball in midfield and again found Quinn, but the front man was again off target.
Two excellent saves from young on-loan Crewe keeper Garratt prevented Marine and striker Bohan Dixon grabbing all three points in the closing stages.
