Defensive errors are costly as Rangers lose out
FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 3 STAFFORD RANGERS 0
Rangers had to make one change from the side that beat Worksop with Peter Heler replacing Oliver Davies, who was ill.
Former FC United midfielder, Michael Carr had an opportunity for the visitors in the second minute but chose to pass instead of shooting.
Heler forced James Spencer to save at full stretch after combining with Fabrice Kasiama, before the home side missed a good opportunity midway through the first half when Adam Jones headed wide from a Jerome Wright free kick.
The home side showed again when debutant Tom Greaves forced a fine save from Danny Read.
With half time approaching, Rangers almost broke the deadlock but Spencer thwarted Liam Walshe with a flying save.
A minute later, Rangers should have scored when Jimmy Turner passed inside to Kasiama but his side footed effort missed the target.
FC United started the second half brightly with Lee Neville firing over from 25 yards, before a defensive howler from Stafford gifted the home side the lead in the 51st minute.
Ryan Brown's header back to Read was picked up by Greaves and despite two goal line clearances, Wright hammered the ball into the Rangers net giving Read no chance.
Wright almost grabbed a second but Read pulled off a fine save. However the home side grabbed a second on 72 minutes through another defensive mistake.
A long clearance from Spencer was left by Walshe for Greaves to pick up. Greaves ‘effort was cleared off the line but Matthew Wolfenden despatched the rebound.
Rangers responded through Carr who hit the FC Unitd crossbar with an overhit cross, but the game was put to bed on 76 minutes when Greaves capped a fine debut with a stunning 25-yard volley.
For the record
FC United: James Spencer, Kyle Jacobs, Lee Neville, Dean Stott, Adam Jones, Louis Horne (Dave Birch 45), Astley Mulholland (Rhodri Giggs 74), Matthew
Tierney (Jake Cottrell 65), Tom Greaves, Jerome Wright, Matthew Wolfenden Subs not used: Carlos Roca, Cedric Krou.
Rangers: Danny Read, Luke George, Ryan Brown, Liam Walshe, James Bolton, Michael Carr, Jimmy Turner (Levi Reid 73), Christian Dacres, Karl Ashton, Fabrice Kasiama (Danny Quinn 61), Peter Heler. Subs not used: Lee Downes, Sean Kinsella, Adam Alcock.
Booked: Wright (FC United). Referee: Patrick Mahon; Att: 2131. Next up for Rangers is a home Evo
Stik premier league fixture against local rivals Rushall Olympic on Saturday (ko 3pm).
That is followed by away trips to Whitby Town ( Jan 26) and Hednesford ( Jan 29), the latter in the Staffs Senior Cup.
