Under 13s Match Reports

Date: Sunday 30th November '08

Result: Eccleshall Eagles 1 Stafford Rangers 7

Rangers moved into the next round of the shield competition with a fine all-round performance against Eccleshall Eagles. The midfield of Ravi Mangat, Harry Whiteman, Tom Vaughan, Josh Oldham and Billy Thorley excelled creating chances for others and yet getting on the score sheet themselves.

Thorley led the way with a hat-trick, with Oldham getting a brace, for both to continue recent scoring trends. Vaughan and Jack Edwards got the remaining goals to complete an impressive performance. The defensive line of Will Davis, Billy Liggins and Jake Bullough were solid against a dangerous Eagles forward-line with Dan Starkey intelligently laying the ball off for the midfield to run onto. All in all, a very deserved victory with the woodwork keeping the scoring from being even higher.

Date: Sunday 23rd November’08 - TESCO CUP QTR FINAL

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 2 Wyrley Panthers 1

  A saved penalty and a goal in extra time earned Stafford Rangers Under-13s a 2-1 victory over Wyrley Panthers and a passage into the semi-final of the Tesco Cup.

  Wyrley proved to be tough opponents and they exerted early pressure as both sides were forced to contend with atrocious conditions. Rhys Burley and Billy Liggins made some important tackles in central defence, while Joe Kroll and Will Davis provided vital challenges on either flank.

  The visitors took the lead on the half-hour with a well-taken header and Rangers searched a further 30 minutes for the equaliser, which came from a set piece as Sean Phillips swung in a corner which Billy Thorley swept home.

  The game continued at a frantic pace, prompting more competent defensive moves from Boro’s Jake Bullough and Josh Oldham, while ‘keeper Matt Tidswell capped a superb performance when he made a vital penalty save in the dying minutes of normal time.

  As the game moved into extra time Davis set off on a 30 yard run which forced a corner. Phillips delivered into a crowded penalty area and Thorley met the ball with a firm finish which clinched the victory.

Date: Sunday 16th November 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 16 Riverway Hawks 0

Stafford Rangers Under-13s produced their biggest win of the season with three players netting hat-tricks, in a clinical performance against Riverway Hawks.

The league leaders drilled home 16 goals without conceding and they chalked up their intentions from the outset as Harry Wightman collected Ravi Mangat’s through pass and sent a left footed drive into the top corner.They doubled their advantage when Sean Phillips pounced on a loose ball and stroked it past the ‘keeper, while only two minutes later Phillips found the net again. Josh Oldham, Josh Renshaw and Haydn Evans were impressive in midfield as Rangers continued to flow forward, claiming a fourth goal before the break when a parried ball fell to the feet of Dan Starkey, who nipped in to score.

  Boro tightened their grip in the second half and increased their lead through Jack Edwards, with Tom Vaughan converting goal number six a minute later. A neat move between Phillips and Billy Thorley provided the ammunition for Josh Oldham to collect the seventh, while Edwards rifled home an angled drive . The attack was relentless and Phillips was on target to gain his hat-trick and take the Rangers tally to double figures. Thorley unleashed a long-range shot which nestled into the top corner, and moments later Will Davis broke free and guided in a calmly executed finish.

Thorley and Edwards were both in place to bag their hat-tricks, while Wightman also netted and on the stroke of full-time Starkey tucked away the sixteenth goal.

Date: Sunday 2nd November 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 4 Rugeley Rangers 3

A last gasp goal by Stafford Rangers U13s denied Rugeley Rangers a point and cemented their place at the top of the table. Boro came away with a 4-3 victory but can consider themselves lucky after Sean Phillips clinched the vital winner in the dying minute of the game at Holmcroft.

The home side started strongly and took an early lead when Josh Oldham converted Billy Thorley’s free kick, but Rugeley retailiated with a series of attacks and they were eventually rewarded with an equaliser. On the stroke of half time Josh Renshaw sent over a low cross that picked out Oldham, who cracked in his second goal. However, Boro were a little off the pace on a heavy pitch and they failed to escape punishment as Rugeley capitalised on a chance to level the score.

Boro regained the lead when Phillips delivered a superb free kick which hit the underside of the crossbar and Thorley was in place to tap the ball over the line. The visitors continued to threaten and Boro goalkeeper Matt Tidswell palmed away a well-aimed shot. It was deep into the second half when Rugeley netted again and the match had all the makings of a 3-3 draw, but Phillips had other ideas and tucked away a winner to gift the Stafford outfit all three points.

Date: Sunday 26th October 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 7 Berkswich 1

A four goal haul by Jack Edwards provided the platform for another Stafford Rangers U13s’ success as they continued their winning league run.

Rangers defeated Berkswich 7-1 and it was Edwards who opened the scoring in the eleventh minute when he converted a Dan Starkey cross. Moments later Josh Oldham broke from the half way line on a run which took him past several challenges before his shot was blocked.

The home side extended their lead when Edwards cracked home his second goal and soon afterwards the striker latched onto a ball, which was threaded through by Billy Thorley, to bag his hat-trick.

Berkswich were dangerous on the counter-attack but Rhys Burley, Joe Kroll and Will Davies remained organised in defence. However, the visitors pulled one back before the break with a well-taken strike by Jack Shale.

  Boro went 4-1 ahead as Starkey found space in the box to shoot high over the Berkswich ‘keeper. Rangers continued to flow forward and it was Harry Wightman’s deft touch which set up Thorley, who drilled the ball into the top corner. Josh Renshaw impressed on his debut, bursting down the right flank to hit a fine cross which enabled Edwards to take his tally to four. Rangers’ seventh goal came as Tom Vaughan neatly back heeled the ball for Thorley to blast home and round off another polished team performance.

Date: Sunday 19th October 2008 - Mid-Staffs League Cup

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 3 Newcastle Town 2

Stafford Rangers Under-13s recovered from a two goal deficit against Newcastle Town to snatch a 3-2 win to fire themselves into the second round of the Mid-Staffs League Cup. The North Staffs outfit went ahead from an early set piece and created further chances, but Matt Tidswell showed safe hands in the Rangers goal ably assisted by stout defending from Jake Bullough. Boro had their equal share of possession and pressurised the Newcastle defence so that when half time arrived the score remained at 1-0.

  In the second period the home side found the net again, but in a consolidated team effort Rangers rallied and forced their opponents onto the back foot. Their first reply came as the Newcastle goalkeeper parried a Ravi Mangat shot to the feet of Jack Edwards, who neatly tucked the ball away. Boro searched desperately for an equaliser with Edwards, Harry Wightman, Dan Starkey, Billy Thorley and Josh Oldham all coming close. And with eight minutes remaining Sean Phillips provided the ammunition for Edwards to clinch his second goal to level the match. Extra time loomed but in the dying seconds, a long throw by central defender Will Davies pinpointed Phillips, whose last gasp shot found the net and sealed a hard fought victory.

 

Date: Sunday 12th October 2008 -Tesco Cup

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 2 FC Strollers (Bilston) 1

  Stafford Rangers successfully steered themselves through a tough Under-13s Tesco Cup opener after edging out Bilston outfit, FC Strollers. Only one goal separated the sides at the end of an action packed encounter, with Strollers chalking up their intentions from the outset as a fierce shot from the right flank flashed past the Rangers’ goal. But Boro broke the deadlock from a set piece in the 14th minute, when Sean Phillips drove in a corner that picked out Harry Wightman at the far post. At the other end defenders Rhys Burley, Billy Liggins, Will Davis and Joe Kroll were made to work hard by the Bilston strike force, who eventually broke through to equalise. Rangers went into a 2-1 lead when a shot by Jack Edwards was parried by the Strollers ‘keeper into the path of Billy Thorley, who slotted the ball in.

  The second period saw both goalkeepers being kept busy, with Boro’s Matt Tidswell making an important save off a penetrating free kick, while Thorley and Phillips both cleared shots off the line. A chance for Rangers to take a 3-1 lead went begging in extra time when Edwards sent a header inches over the bar, but on the final whistle the home side had done enough to bag a slot in the next round.

Date: Sunday 5th October 2008 - Staffordshire County Cup

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 4 Starland St Anne’s 3

Stafford Rangers Under-13s booked a slot in the second round of the County Cup after earning a 4-3 away win against South Staffs outfit, Starland St Anne’s.

Rangers kicked off to a dream start as Tom Vaughan collected a loose ball and drilled his shot high over the Starland ‘keeper within the first two minutes. Sean Phillips later swung in a corner and Jack Edwards rose to power in a header which put Boro further ahead.

The home side replied by firing in a 20 yard free kick to open their account, but Rangers struck again before the break when Billy Thorley threaded through a pass that offered Edwards his chance to net for a second time, to extend their lead to 3-1.

The South Staffs side reduced the deficit in the second half, but Dan Starkey was in place to guide in a calmly executed finish to put his side 4-2 up. Rangers’ midfielder Josh Oldham worked particularly hard to peg back Starland, whose persistence eventually paid off as they scored from another well-taken free kick and it needed a fine save from Rangers’ ‘keeper Matt Tidswell to deny them their equaliser.

Date: Sunday 28th September 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 7 Newcastle Town 3

A late goal spree helped Stafford Rangers U13s snatch three points from an evenly contested league match at Newcastle Town.

Rangers came away with a 7-3 victory, although the early chances fell to Newcastle who failed to capitalise. Boro broke the deadlock as Dan Starkey converted a penalty, after being felled in the box. The side doubled their advantage when a long ball from Haydn Evans was slotted home by Tom Vaughan and Starkey was in place to fire in again just before the break.

  The game constantly ebbed and flowed, yet Boro bagged a four goal lead through a Harry Whiteman strike. But the home side continued to pose a threat when they moved forward and netted three times to peg the score back to 4-3. With the clock ticking down, Sean Phillips’ free kick nestled into the top corner of Town’s goal to help settle Rangers nerves and Jack Edwards collected a brace to stifle any chance of a Newcastle come-back.

Date: Sunday 21st September 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 6 Eccleshall Eagles 1

Stafford Rangers under-13s continued their impressive start to the season by capturing a 6-1 home win against Eccleshall Eagles.

The visitors came out strongly, forcing the Rangers ‘keeper, Matt Tidswell, to make a couple of important saves. But the Boro outfit were quick to counter attack and a Joe Kroll shot was saved, while Billy Thorley’s strike hit the post before Jack Edwards finally opened the scoring.

  Rangers doubled their advantage through a long range effort by Sean Phillips, an own goal put the side further ahead and then Thorley was in place to fire in a volley which gave Boro a 4-0 lead at half time.

  Tom Vaughan was also on target for Rangers, although Eagles ‘keeper Lewis Bebb reacted smartly to deny Josh Oldham. Eccleshall reduced the deficit when striker Dan Farrelly broke from his marker and netted, but Rangers had the final word as Dan Starkey slotted in from close range.

Date: Sunday 14th September 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U13s 7 Riverway Hawks 0

Stafford Rangers U13s chalked up a 7-0 home win in their league curtain raiser against Riverway Hawks.

Rangers kept the visitors on the back foot from the outset and took the lead in the tenth minute through a Sean Phillips free kick. For all their possession, Boro were kept at bay by a hard-working Riverway defence and had to wait until the stroke of half-time to increase their lead, when Tom Vaughan neatly rolled the ball for the unmarked Dan Starkey to slot in.

  The home side exerted early pressure in the second period and were rewarded with a Jack Edwards goal, while moments later Ravi Mangat swung in a cross for Edwards to bag his second and Rangers went 5-0 ahead as Starkey converted a set piece.

  Boro constantly moved the play forward and Vaughan and Will Davis made an immediate impact on their debuts, both adding their names to the score sheet to bring the goal tally to seven.

Date: Sunday 31st August 2008  Pre-Season friendly

Wheaton Aston u14s 1 Stafford Rangers 7

The wide pitch and wonderful playing surface brought out the best in the team which welcomed back several faces from holiday, none more so than Billy Thorley who ended with a hat-trick. Sean Phillips also returning from holiday got a brace as did Jack Edwards. There were positive performances everywhere on the pitch as the slick passing and movement was too much for the home team to defend. Matt Tidswell also made a blinding reaction save and gave assurance to his team by his commands.

Date: Thursday 28th August 2008

Longton 3 Stafford Rangers 2

Rangers travelled to Stoke and found themselves playing on a tight pitch which was not conducive to their free flowing passing game. However it proved a stern test for the defenders as the aerial bombardment proved the most obvious ploy for success. Rangers played with more passion than the previous night with Edwards scoring and then setting up Tom Vaughan. Billy Liggins nearly opened his account for the club but saw his half-chance just go over the bar. A good test for the lads with the defenders being developed by the "Stokies tactics".

Date: Wednesday 27th August 2008

Rangers u13's 3 Rangers u14's 7

The first friendly of the season was generally a close affair in the first half with the younger team conceeding a goal just prior the interval to go in 2-1 down. Lots of changes happened during the second half as Will Davis, Tom Vaughan and Harry Wightman made their 11-a-side debuts. The older team took advantage of tiring legs but need to be commended on their long-range shooting which sealed the victory more emphatically than the balance of play would suggest. However more spirit can be shown when the chips are down was the lesson learnt from this workout. Goalscorers were Edwards (2) and a Starkey penalty.

Date: Saturday 14th June 2008

Market Drayton Tournament

In the Market Drayton tournament Rangers under 12's were victorious. Liam Haycock solitary strike in the final against Dawley Wanderers was decisive. The lads even won a penalty shoot-out on their way to the final. A tremendous display from both teams.

Date: Saturday/Sunday 3rd/4th May 2008

Woolacombe Tour Results

 Rangers First match of the tour saw them beat local side Braunton 2-1 despite trailing at half-time with Billy Thorley scoring both from midfield. Cheshire side Wilmslow were the next opponents but goals from Jack Edwards and Thorley meant that a 2-0 score line was secured. Wyre Forest Panthers (Worcestershire) stood between Rangers and a place in the final. Clinical finishing from Dan Starkey with a hat trick and another from Edwards earned a 4-0 victory that set up the final encounter with Worcester Youth. In an even match both sides battled well and Keeper Matt Tidswell performed admirably. Rangers had the ball into the net by Starkey only to be disallowed and the free-kick going to Rangers. Late on Worcester Youth scored from a rebound. Rangers can be particularly proud of their achievements especially when presented with the tournaments' fair-play award by former Spurs and England international player Gary Mabbutt.

Date: Tuesday 29th April 2008

Result: Topps 2000 2 Stafford Rangers 5

Rangers finished their season in sluggish manner which betrayed the slick passing of previous matches. However this is not to take away from another successful campaign as seen by the silverware won. The forwards were busy and shared the goals (Jack Edwards, Dan Starkey 2 and Liam Haycock 2) but generally it looked like an end of season game or one that precedes the tour to Woolacombe.

Date: Sunday 27th April 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 0 Brereton Castle 3

Stafford Rangers Under-12s were unable to repeat their cup triumph against Brereton Castle and slipped to a 3-0 defeat against the league leaders.

The game moved at a fast pace, with Rangers striker Jack Edwards forcing an early stop from the Brereton keeper and the ball was cleared off the line. Shortly afterwards the action switched and Stafford’s keeper Matt Tidswell reacted smartly to deny Brereton.

Both sides created further chances yet the tie remained goalless at the break. But after an even opening 30 minutes, Castle had the better of the second half and caught Rangers on the back foot to break the deadlock. The visitors extended their lead off a corner and although Rangers fought to get back into contention, Castle netted a third goal to seal the win.

Jimmy Mullen Final (Molineux)

Date: Thursday 24th April 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers 2 Hednesford 1 (aet)

 Rangers started brightly in this final with Josh Oldham and Billy Thorley playing neat football and creating opportunities for Liam Haycock up front. Good goalkeeping denied him but Thorley got around his marker, shot and the keeper's paried save rebounded back into the net off a back-tracking teammate. Hednesford came back with their direct style of play which kept defender Rhys Burley extremely busy. Having got an initial tackle the ball now broke for the Pitmen with Charlie Ware finishing. Dan Starkey and Jack Edwards had shots which grazed the posts. Rangers were indebted to Matt Tidswell's safe handling and shot stopping to make extra-time. Determined to play their passing game Rangers took the game to the opposition with Thorley finishing off a fine team move. This golden goal winning Rangers the Trophy for a second consecutive year on the plush playing surface of Molineux.

 

Date: Sunday 20th April 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 5 Eccleshall 3

Stafford Rangers Under-12s collected three points at home to Eccleshall, but were made to fight for their 5-3 victory.

  The Eagles came out strongly and rattled the crossbar, before taking the lead in the 13th minute when Rangers failed to clear from their goal area. Dan Starkey fired in an equaliser for Boro and shortly afterwards Josh Oldham’s header was blocked but Starkey was in place to head the loose ball past the ‘keeper. Eccleshall maintained the pressure and levelled the score, but on the stroke of half time Jack Edwards’ cross found Liam Haycock, who calmly netted.

  After the break Billy Thorley delivered a long ball from midfield for Edwards to fire in and Boro increased their lead to 5-2 when Starkey claimed his hat-trick. But the visitors continued to battle and were rewarded when a player was brought down in the box and the spot kick was converted.

Date: Tuesday 15th April 2008

Rugeley Rangers 0 Stafford Rangers 2

On a tight pitch Stafford were made to work very hard for this win by a determined Rugeley side. Indeed the home team had several scrambled efforts off the line and hit the crossbar before Jack Edwards rose to head in a Billy Thorley corner in the second half. Keeper Matt Tidswell was in tremendous form commanding his box and also had to save a late penalty as Rugeley searched for the equaliser. However Edwards scored from another header, this time from Dan Starkey's delivery to seal a battling win which was typified by Josh Oldham's performance.

League Cup Final

Date: Sunday 13th April 2008

Result: Brereton Castle 1 Stafford Rangers 4

It is always pleasing to win a cup final but to win playing with an attractive style is a bonus. Rangers achieved both to record their second cup win inside a week. Brereton started the stronger and it was against the run of play when Dan Starkey's through ball was effectively finished by Liam Haycock. Rangers then took the ascendency especially when Jack Edwards cut inside before his curling shot nestled in the far corner. After the break the sharp passing game continued and Starkey finished off. To their credit Castle pulled one back but another Edwards pile-driver sealed an emphatic win. A team performance where every single player came away with credit.

Date: Wednesday 9th April 2008

Stafford Rangers 6 Perkins 0

The bumpy pitch restricted Rangers' attempt to play a flowing game with missed chances also prevalent. Rangers 100th league goal of the season was scored by Dan Starkey. After the break Perkins became more stretched and further goals were inevitable. Haydn Evans came in off the wing to grab a hat-trick (which included two headed goals) with further goals coming from Billy Thorley and Jack Edwards. A sound performance all round in preparation for the cup final.

League Shield Final at Rowley park

Date:Sunday 6th April 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers 3 Berkswich 2

 Stafford opened the scoring against a strong breeze when Sean Phillips' cross found Dan Starkey running in to net from close range. Berkswich then had the better of the possession but failed to test the keeper. However this changed after the break when Tom Vaughan scored direct from a free-kick. Back came Rangers with the prompting of Josh Oldham and after a series of corners Liam Haycock restored the lead. To their credit Berkswich hit back again with Jake Triggs' penalty. With extra-time looming it took a special goal to seal the win with Phillips' 30 yard free-kick giving Rangers their first cup-final win.

Date: Wednesday 2nd April 2008

Riverway Hawks 0 Stafford Rangers 5

  Stafford started this match in a bright fashion when Sean Phillips' inswinging corner went straight in at the near post. When Jake Bullough scores it is always memorable and todays long range effort was no exception. Liam Haycock bagged the third with a neat finish before Billy Thorley added a volley before the break.

In the second period Rangers eased off with over-elaboration and missed chances.Thorley added a second but the team could not breach the determined Hawks defence again so as to register their 100th league goal of the campaign, despite the efforts of Jack Edwards all round display.

League Cup semi-final

Date: Sunday 30th March 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 4 Berkswich 1

Stafford Rangers Under-12s earned a 4-1 away win against Berkswich to bag a place in the League Cup final.Rangers got off to a dream start in their semi-final when Jack Edwards netted within three minutes. They could have moved further ahead if it had not have been for the fine work of the Berkswich ‘keeper Callum Davies, who denied Liam Haycock at close range. Boro’s second goal came from a move which saw Billy Thorley lay off the ball square for Edwards to slot in. Then Thorley delivered the third before the break.

  Berkswich started brightly in the second half and were rewarded when Tom Vaughan scored. Davies pulled off a succession of saves but Rangers moved 4-1 ahead when a Sean Phillips free kick landed for Haycock to tuck away. The two sides will meet again on Sunday (April 6) at Rowley Park in the final of the League Shield, while Rangers are also scheduled to contest the League Cup final a week later (April 13).

Date: Sunday 16th March 2008

Stafford Rangers u12's 3 Berkswich 0

 

In the first of three consecutive matches against the same opposition, Rangers got of to a flyer when Liam Haycock tapped home from Dan Starkey's cross after only ten seconds. Jack Edwards then scored at the near post after being set up by Sean Phillips who got on the scoresheet himself in the second period. Special mentions should go to the alert goalkeeping of Matt Tidswell and debutante Haydn Evans who nearly scored but was denied by good goalkeeping. Rangers’ football won the day although Berkswich will take heart from all the 50-50 challenges they won and how they closed us down.

Date: Sunday 9th March 2008 League Shield semi-final

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 0 Brereton Castle 0 aet. (Stafford Rangers won 3-2 pens)

Stafford Rangers Under-12s produced their biggest effort of the season to derail league leaders Brereton Castle and edge into the final of the League Shield. In a match with few chances but plenty of stars it was the battling qualities that counted.

 Matt Tidswell will remember this match for his crucial penalty save at the end of normal time (as well as in the shoot-out) but his decisive coming off his line was just as important. The defensive fortress built by Burley,Bullough,Liggins,Johnson and Kroll was key and each will remember crucial interceptions and tackles to keep out the marauders. Josh Oldham was awesome and supported by influetial Thorley in centre-midfield.Haycock and Edwards stretched their defence and were denied only by good goalkeeping.

There was little to choose between the sides in a match which went down to the wire, with Rangers eventually clinching victory in a tense penalty shoot-out which goalscorers Phillips,Mangat and Starkey keeping their composure to seal the win.

League Cup Quarter Final

Date: Sunday 2nd March 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 3 Topps 2000 1

A Jack Edwards hat-trick helped steer Stafford Rangers Under-12s into the semi-final of the League Cup, after stealing a 3-1 home win over Topps 2000.

  The visitors established an early lead, but a fluid move between Ravi Mangat and Dan Starkey provided Edwards with an opportunity to stroke home and level the score. In an evenly matched first half, Rangers broke the deadlock when Billy Thorley picked out Edwards, who fired high into the top corner.

  Topps continued to pose a threat when they moved forward but were kept at bay by skipper Rhys Burley and his fellow defenders, with Josh Oldham also making some important tackles in midfield. But the tie was put beyond reach when Edwards left his marker and slotted in past the ‘keeper to deliver his third goal.

Date : Sunday 24th February 2008

Result: Hawkins Sports 0 Stafford Rangers 15

In a very one-sided affair Rangers dominated from start to finish. With the result not in doubt only the end number of goals and who would get them kept the interest.In the end 15(fifteen) had been scored with Jack Edwards (5) and Dan Starkey (4) the chief destroyers. Others came from Liam Haycock (2),Sean Phillips,Billy Thorley and Rhys Burley.However the biggest cheer came for a left-footed strike by Didier Tidswell. There were lots of opportunities for people to try out new positions and the score could have been even greater.

Date: Sunday 17th February 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 6 Rugeley Rangers 1

This was another convincing win over a team riding high in the league.Sean Phillips opened the scoring with a shot from outside the box only to see a Rugeley breakaway resulting in the equaliser.However Liam Haycock scored from a scramble with Jack Edwards in attendance to ensure it went in.Billy Thorley then scored the goal of the game, running from the half-way line,rounding the keeper and netting from a narrow angle.

  The second period was mostly in Rugeley's half and a Jack Edwards hat-trick ensured the score had a more realistic look.There could have been even more goals but for some amazing clearances off the line by Rugeley defenders and over-elaboration by Rangers.

Date: Sunday 10th February 2008 (Shield Match)

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 9 Rugeley Rangers 0

Stafford Rangers Under-12s fired themselves into the semi-final of the Mid-Staffs League Shield competition with a 9-0 win against Rugeley Rangers.

  The Stafford outfit dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead in the eighth minute when Josh Oldham provided the ammunition for Dan Starkey to sweep home. The striker netted again to double Boro’s advantage and moments later Liam Haycock nipped in to tuck a header past the Rugeley keeper.

  Starkey took advantage of a spilled ball to notch up his hat trick and Jack Edwards and Billy Thorley collected a goal each to put Rangers 6-0 ahead at half time.

  The visitors fought to get back into contention but Boro keeper Matt Tidswell remained untroubled, while Rangers always looked dangerous in attack. Haycock scored twice to complete his hat trick and Thorley tucked away a through ball from Rhys Burley to round off an impressive team performance.

Date: Sunday 3rd February 2008

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 9 Rocester Elkes Eagles 1

Stafford Rangers Under-12s gave a polished team performance as they romped to a 9-1 home victory against Rocester Elkes Eagles.

Rangers were rampant from the outset and during a dominant first half Jack Edwards produced a hat trick, Liam Haycock netted twice and Dan Starkey was also on target.

Boro carried on after the interval where they left off, with Sean Phillips unleashing a long range shot into the top corner. Starkey put his side further ahead and although Elkes snatched a consolation goal, the last word went to Rangers as Haycock claimed his hat trick and rounded off an outstanding team effort across the park.

Date :Sunday 27th January 2008-Shield Match

Result: Topps 2000 Villa 2 Stafford Rangers U12s 18

This was a very one-sided affair as the scoreline suggests although it ought to be mentioned that generally there was slick and effective football

which produced such a convincing win.It was difficult to keep track with the scorers but in the end Liam Haycock got credited with four; hat-tricks for Billy Thorley and Josh Oldham (his first for the club); braces for Sean Phillips and Jack Edwards with Dan Starkey, Jake Bullough (another memorable long range effort), Ravi Mangat and Joe Kroll (yes Joe Kroll !) finishing the scoring.Apart from the scoring coming from so many players (what were the other three players doing?) it was especially pleasing to see Josh Johnson attending. We hope his visit to the consultant goes well during the week.

Date : Sunday 6th January 2008

Result: Stafford Soccer School 2 Stafford Rangers U12s 3

Rangers started the New Year in a sluggish fashion and made hard work of plucky opponents.Dan Starkey came close early on being denied by the goalkeeper who had a fine match throughout.It was against the run of play when the School scored from a scramble following a corner. This lead was kept until the break by the numerous defenders throwing themselves at anything that approached.

Jack Edwards started the revival by earning and converting a penalty.Liam Haycock then poached home from a corner, and then dispatched a shot into the net after Starkey had pulled the ball from the bye-line.The School scored again before the end but Rangers were well worth their victory.

It is a sign of a good team that can play below par and yet still get a result.

 

Date: Sunday 16th December’07

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 8 Berkswich 0

  Stafford Rangers Under-12s closed the gap on the Premier League’s leading pack by storming to an 8-0 win against second placed Berkswich.

  It was an organised and disciplined display by Boro, who took an early lead when Billy Thorley latched onto a through ball from Joe Kroll and netted. Jack Edwards doubled their advantage off a corner and moments later Thorley pounced on a parried ball to put Rangers three ahead.

  Edwards scored again, while Liam Haycock’s solo run ended in a fine 25 yard strike into the top left corner. Sean Phillips increased Boro’s lead, before Josh Oldham gifted his side their seventh goal with a pinpoint pass for Ravi Mangat to stroke home. On the final whistle Edwards claimed his hat-trick to round off a polished team effort.

Date: Sunday 2nd December’07

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 4 AFC Cannock Town 1

Stafford Rangers U12s overcame blustery conditions to execute a 4-1 away win against AFC Cannock Town.

Boro dominated the opening exchanges and took an early lead when Dan Starkey latched onto Jake Bullough’s swinging corner and slotted home. Jack Edwards doubled their advantage before turning provider for Starkey to net again.

Cannock reduced the deficit with a well struck effort in the second half, but Billy Thorley took advantage of a loose ball in the box to clinch a fourth goal for Rangers.

Sunday 25 th November 2007

Eccleshall Eagles 0 Stafford Rangers 11

Rangers played pleasing football on the tight pitch and fully merited this convincing win.Early goals by Jack Edwards set them on the way with Billy Thorley converting a blatent penalty to leave the half-time score 4-0.

The pressure never relented and further goals duly arrived.Edwards finished with four, Thorley completed his hat-trick,Liam Haycock got two with Dan Strakey and Sean Phillips also netting.Despite the scoreline keeper Matt Tidswell kept his defenders on their toes with effective talking and organising to guarantee a second consecutive clean sheet.A very successful day that allows the coach to crack open a tin of pineapple chunks to celebrate.

Sunday 18th November 2007

Stafford Rangers 4 Topps 2000 0

The conditions were very testing for this encounter with the wet and windy weather making a flowing game almost impossible.Rangers were in the ascendency with Dan Starkey and then Joe Kroll going close.The deserved lead materialised when Jack Edwards was played in and a finish to the far post meant that Rangers had a slender lead at the break.

  The second half was nearly all Rangers and further goals came from Ravi Mangat with two tap-ins following good work by Starkey and Liam Haycock.Indeed it was Haycock himself who got on the score sheet after a run and cross-shot.

The defence covered each other superbly and kept a deserved clean sheet. Josh Oldham's tenacity;Joe Kroll's interceptions and Rhys Burley's calm but decisive defending caught the eye, in a match where everybody should be proud of their shivering performance.

Sunday 11th November 2007

Brereton Castle 3 Stafford Rangers 1

Two goals in two minutes before the final whistle sealed the fate of Stafford Rangers Under-12s as they toppled to a 3-1 defeat away to league leaders Brereton Castle

  Rangers established an early lead when Billy Thorley threaded through a pass that offered Jack Edwards the chance to nestle his finish into the top corner. Boro had the better of the first half with some fluid moves and tenacious tackling, but their early goal was nullified when Brereton snatched an equaliser a minute before the break.

  The home side exerted pressure in the second half but were kept at bay by the Rangers defence, until those last two minutes when Castle exploited a moment of slackness to take a 2-1 lead. Moments after the restart they delivered their third goal, to end all hopes of a Rangers revival which was a particular harsh reflection on the efforts of Sean Phillips, Jack Edwards and Ravi Mangat to name just a few.

Sunday 4th November '07-South Staffs Cup

Erdington Star Olympic 3 Stafford Rangers 2

Rangers had the majority of the play in the first period but found themselves trailing 3-0 at half-time. Having failed to convert their own chances, clinical finishing by the opposition left Rangers with a mountain to climb in the second half.They nearly reached the heights when Jack Edwards ghosted in from his wing to score.Billy Thorley then went through the centre of the defence to net and then hit the post with a last-minute effort.Rather than too little too late,it was a case of too little too early.

Sunday 28th October’07

Stafford Rangers U12s 5 Cannock AFC 0

A Liam Haycock hat-trick was the platform for a Rangers Under-12s league success against Cannock AFC.

  Dan Starkey opened the scoring when he picked up a through ball from Ravi Mangat and although Boro continued to peg back Cannock they had to wait until the stroke of half time to extend their lead through a Haycock tap-in.

 Starkey was on hand to collect his second goal after the restart, while minutes later Sean Phillips left two defenders in his wake before crossing into the six-yard box for Haycock to slot home. Joe Kroll, Billy Thorley and Josh Oldham were dominant in midfield, but it was Rangers’ keeper Matt Tidswell who provided the pass for Haycock to clinch the fifth goal.

Sunday 14th October 2007

Result: Stafford Rangers U12s 6 Stone Ajax 0

Stafford Rangers Under-12s eased into the second round of the Mid-Staffs League Cup with a 6-0 home victory over Stone Ajax. Rangers opened the scoring when Dan Starkey’s shot took a deflection into the Ajax goal. But for all Boro’s possession, the visitors held their own for the remainder of the first half.

Rangers tightened their grip in the second period with some neat passing across the field and Billy Thorley doubled their advantage when he pounced on a loose ball and struck home. Liam Haycock connected powerfully to increase their lead to 3-0, while Starkey netted again after latching on to a precision cross from Sean Phillips. Thorley bagged his second goal with a long range effort and Starkey collected his hat-trick by converting a through ball from Jack Edwards.

Sunday 7th October

Stafford Rangers U12s 2 Warstones Wanderers West 1

This was a terrific match by two evenly matched teams which belied their ages. Chances were few and far between as defences held firm.Rangers scored first when a long through ball by Sean Phillips was chased by the ever-willing Liam Haycock only to be pulled back inside the box. Jack Edwards converted the penalty. Back came Warstones who equalised on the stroke of half-time when for once the Rangers rearguard were not able to clear their lines. Steadily Rangers gained the initiative in the second period,mainly through that terrior Josh Oldham and Haycock won the day with a sweet left foot volley. Great entertainment and a credit to all concerned.

 Sunday 30th September

  Rocester Elkes Eagles 4 Stafford Rangers U12s 3

Despite an early two goal lead, Stafford Rangers Under-12s came away empty handed from their strongly contested game at Rocester Elkes Eagles.

Dan Starkey put Rangers ahead after 10 minutes and Sean Phillips doubled their advantage. But Elkes exploited a goalmouth mistake and shortly afterwards netted again to draw level and Rangers found themselves trailing 4-2 after the Rocester outfit converted two further chances.

Josh Oldham worked tirelessly in midfield and Starkey tapped-in to reduce the deficit to 4-3, but a relentless assault on the Elkes goal in the final minutes proved fruitless and Boro succumbed to their first defeat of the season.

Sunday 23rd September

Stafford Rangers 4 Riverway Hawks 0

Both teams deserve credit for producing such an entertaining encounter.Football was slick and fast with each team depriving the other of the necessary time on the ball to make possession decisive. Rangers clinched the result with goals from Billy Thorley, Liam Haycock, Dan Starkey and Jack Edwards. The defence of Rhys Burley, Josh Johnson, Billy Liggins and Jake Bullough preserved the clean sheet but only last ditch tackling and the woodwork deprived the plucky Hawks. The referee (D.Edwards) was praised by both teams for his efficient control of the proceedings.

Sunday 16th September

Perkins 0 Stafford Rangers 8

On a bone hard pitch which had a strong wind affecting the flight of the ball Rangers initially struggled to impose terratorial advantage into goals.Liam Haycock struck first which settled the team.Further goals duly arrived from Sean Phillips and Jack Edwards (both two) ,Dan Starkey, Ravi Mangat and Billy Thorley. For the second consecutive week the defence made keeper Matt Tidswell a virtual spectator although he did set up another goal with his fast distribution.

Sunday 9th September

Stafford Rangers 13 Hawkins Sports 0

Having experienced several testing friendlies, Rangers faced opposition in their own age bracket and who had not yet encountered the full version of football. The result was never in doubt once Josh Oldham opened the scoring. Relentless pressure allowed further goals from Dan Starkey four, a Liam Haycock hat-trick, a Jack Edwards brace and solitary strikes from Billy Thorley, Jake Bullough and captain Rhys Burley. Lots of goals from seven different scorers and with a clean sheet meant it was an extremely encouraging start to the new campaign.

Wed 5th September

Stone Dominoes u13's 0 Stafford Rangers u12's 6

In their last friendly Rangers had the upper hand despite the age difference.They were first on the scoresheet when Dan Starkey shot past the keeper after excellent work from the energetic Josh Oldham.They had to wait to the end of the half before Billy Thorley got the second goal being set up Liam Haycock's pull-back.With the passing sharper in the second half it was no surprise to see further goals from Sharkey,Haycock and two from Sean Phillips.With the league starting, this quick passing and support from midfield areas should result in open and attractive football.

Sun 2nd September

Tean Rangers u13's 7 Stafford Rangers u12's 0

Yet again Rangers under 12 side faced older and impressive opposition in a team that had won the Cheadle League last season.The youngsters battled hard and played attractive football which counter-acted the more direct style of play from the older team. However the height advantage told as crosses and corners were converted. Good defending by Josh Johnson and others kept the score down until the final few minutes.Despite the scoreline the players did themselves proud with the opposition being entertained by the skills displayed, so much so that they want a return friendly next year and are willing to travel to Holmcroft!

Thurs 30th August

Rangers U12's 6 Pye Green Strikers 1

Rangers transition to their new home pitch of Holmcroft Youth Club started very promisingly against Pye Gren who were older and finished third behind Rangers last year in the league.Adjusting to the larger pitch was difficult initially for the home side and were guilty of being caught in possession in the first period but still found themselves ahead at the break with goals from Dan Starkey (after an impressive run and cross by Sean Phillips) and a solo effort from Liam Haycock. This restoring the lead after a Pye Green breakaway led to an equaliser.The second half was nearly all Rangers and further goals came from Starkey, Haycock,a Jake Bullough free-kick and a rare goal from Dan Jeanne who had ventured forward.

Wed 22nd August

Rangers U12's 1 Man United Soccer Schools 8

Rangers again were faced with older and stronger opposition which meant that the majority of this match was spent on the backfoot with the defence under constant pressure. The boys had no answer to the extra pace especially of the player dubbed "Lanky Yankee" who literally was head and shoulders above our team. Having lost the first third 3-0 and the second 4-0 it was a sign of the courage and spirit within the team that they did not collapse and drew 1-1 in the final third. Rangers' goal came from the buzzing Dan Starkey who seemed to fly in from the wing for the final goal of the match.Although beaten by a big margin,Rangers will have benefitted by the experience of playing such imposing opposition.

Wed 15th August

Rangers U12's 3 Man United Soccer Schools 6

Holiday commitments had hit Rangers hard and there were several new faces on show.It was in the first third where this factor resulted in confusion as to who was doing which role and meant that the schools went into a three goal lead before Ravi Mangat scored with a chip from the edge of the box just prior to the first interval.

In the second period better defending and more commitment in the central areas meant that Rangers came into their own.Jack Edwards was fouled inside the penalty area and got up to convert the resultant penalty to score on his debut. Liam Haycock then stole free on the far post to level the scores overall.

The final period with Rangers' lack of substitutes and tired legs struggling to cope with the older opposition.The schools scoring another three goals despite the valiant efforts of MoM Billy Liggins and other debutants John Carr and the young Ryan Tidswell with blistering enthusiasm. A great workout for a pre-season friendly played in the right spirit and on wonderful Denstone College facilities.