U16s Match Reports

15th November 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 2 - 3 WYRLEY

A really lack-lustre performance from Rangers, However, not for the first time this season they started brightly and were the better side for the opening 30 mins, but, Wryley gradually got into the game and scored just before half time with a good strike. Once again, failing to score when on top and dropping there heads when conceding were to be Rangers failings as Wryley took control and increased the lead, again with a good strike, soon after the visitors were 3 up as Stafford looked short of ideas. Wryley could have gone further ahead, but Rangers can gain some confidence from a late fight back as Hollowood and Whiteside reduced the arrears, but really the scoreline flattering the home side.

Poor performance from Stafford against a strong Wryley team and need to pick themselves up and show a bit of character and bottle for next week.

8th November 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 0 - 4 SHIRE OAK

As someone once said ' its a funny old game' . Rangers were by far the better side for the first hour of this game, coming close on a number of occasions in the first half to take the lead, but the score remained goalless at the interval. However, the second half did become alot more even, Shire Oak taking the lead with a cross come shot, with the football being played from both sides a credit to watch. Shire Oak, been the quality side they are, then pressed home the advantage to score three more goals in the last 5 mins as Stafford pressed for an equalizer, giving the score line a slightly unbalanced look.

Difficult to fight your corner after a 4 nil defeat, and I am sure Shire Oak may disagree [ especially Phil Meddings, ha, ha ] but Rangers played really well and on another day the result may have been different, but Shire Oak are a side of real quality and in the end won well.

1st November 2009 - COUNTY CUP

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 3 - 0 TOPPS 2000

Rangers progressed to the next round of the Cup, but had to work hard against a determined Topps team. Topps who compete in two divisions lower than Stafford battled well and gave Rangers plenty to think about. Stafford struggled to get any fluency into their game, the swirling conditions and the opposition not making things easy. However, Rangers gradually wore the visitors down and really it was no surprise when Matt Hewett opened the scoring midway through the second half, Hewett again soon after making it 2 nil with a good strike, but the best was saved until last, James Butler beating two players and unleashing a tremendous strike to seal the win.

Rangers didn't play well, but credit to Topps who worked extremely hard without really threatening the Stafford goal.

18th October 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 4 - 1 SUTTON UNITED

Arguably, Staffords best performance of the season against a strong Sutton team. Rangers were quick out of the blocks, Ben Skelton getting the final touch in a goal mouth scramble to open the scoring. Rangers were playing some delightful football and increased the lead when the hardworking Hallam Jones made no mistake from close range. Sutton worked hard, but really it was no surprise when Stafford went further ahead, Chris Nation unleashing a tremendous shot to make it 3 - 0 at the interval. Credit to Sutton who never gave up and pulled a goal back to reduce the arrears, but Stafford were in 'top form' and it was Hallam Jones again who put the result beyond doubt, finishing well after a Ben Wightman strike was well saved.

Top team performance against a good side.

11th October 2009

FOUR OAKS 0 - 1 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

When these two teams meet it is usually a tight affair and this was no difference. A good competitive game, with both defences on top. Stafford arguably had more possession and more chances than their hosts, but realistically these were only half chances in a evenly matched first period. The second period was much the same, both sides working hard, but both defences were well on top and it was always going to take a touch of quality to break the deadlock and indeed it was Staffords Jon Davies who provided that with a neat finish. Stafford had to re-shuffle with an injury to their keeper, but the central defensive duo of Ben Skelton and Josh Booker were in 'top form'.

Not a great display, but Rangers worked hard against a hardworking Four Oaks team and just about deserved the three points.

4th October 2009

CHASETOWN 1 - 2 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

A frantic opening five minutes resulted in three goals. Rangers opening the scoring with Jon Davies, making no mistake from close range after good work from Chris Nation. Chasetown then equalized a minute later with a speculative effort, then two minutes later a good header from Tom Morris gave Stafford the lead.This may have been the end of the scoring , but not the end of the game as both sides played some good football in an entertaining game, the only down side was Rangers [not for the first time this season] had a player dismissed midway through the first half. However, the second half saw Chasetown having the bulk of the play, but, Staffords ten men were up for the challenge and probably deserved the three points.

A good entertaining game, again on a good surface and credit to both teams for the standard of football played.

20th September 2009

Lichfield City 0 - 4 Stafford Rangers Juniors

Stafford ran out comfortable winners against their hard working hosts. On a good playing surface Rangers soon took the lead with a good strike from Matt Hewett, Stafford were creating plenty of chances and it was no surprise when Jon Davies increase the lead with a quality effort. However, not be out done Sam Jolley unleashed a tremendous drive that found the top corner to make it 3 nil. The second half became a bit naughty, but, it was Sam Jolley again with another quality strike to end the scoring.

However, unfortunately, a number of Rangers players then lost their discipline and became more concerned with arguing with the Referee and their opponents than playing football.

Having said that, a decent performance with quality goals

13th September 2009

Stafford Rangers Juniors 1 - 3 Eccleshall

A disappointing start to this years campaign against a very good and very strong Eccleshall team. However, Rangers probably started the better and took the lead with Ben Whiteman getting the final touch in a goalmouth scramble. Stafford then had more than one half chance to increase the lead, but good goalkeeping kept the home side out. Eccleshall started to come into the game and equalized with a speculative effort to even things up. However, the second half was very different as Rangers struggled to compete as the visitors took a stranglehold on the game and it came as no surprise when they took the lead. Stafford worked hard but Eccleshall deserved their win, making it 3 - 1 with ten minutes to go.

Not a great start, but Stafford will not play against many better sides this season

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PRE - SEASON FRIENDLY

STAFFORD RANGERS U15s 2 - 4 STAFFORD RANGERS U16s

The Under 16s last friendly resulted in a 4 - 2 victory against the Under 15s. However, credit must go to the Under 15s who played some good football. The 16s were the stronger outfit for most of the game [ but, so they should be ] and deserved their win, but, on this evidence, the 15s can look forward to a successful season as they gave their older counterparts plenty to think about.

Many changes didn't help the flow of play, but still a good workout.

Stand out goal came from Jon Fu.

LEA HALL U17s 2 - 1 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

A great workout again, both sides playing some good football on a good surface. Stafford started well, looking sharp and knocked the ball around for fun, but it was Lea Hall who opened the scoring with a cross/come shot. The hard working Jon Davies then levelled things for Rangers as the game became alot more even. The second half again was very close, but Lea Hall grabbed the winner with a good strike.

Once again, the perfect pre-season friendly played in the right spirit.

BROCTON F.C. 2 - 2 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

This was another really good work-out for Rangers at Broctons excellent facilities. Stafford arguably had the better of the opening exchanges, but it was a tight affair, both teams playing some neat football in an end to end first period. Rangers introduced a few new faces for this game and indeed one of those, Jon Davies, opened the scoring with a good finish from a tight angle. This seemed to inspire Brocton and they then played some good football, having a lot of posession and pressing the Rangers goal and it was no surprise to see them equalize. Stafford then lost their way a bit and Brocton took the lead with a good header, but, credit to Rangers who responded well and equalized with another new signing Hallam Jones with a tremendous brave header.

Good game, good work-out.

ROMULOUS F.C. 5 - 1 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

This was a really good work-out for Rangers, despite the score line. Stafford were without a number of key players, due to holidays,illness,etc, but did well against arguably one of the best teams in the Midlands.

Romulous, who compete in the Midland Junior League looked a team of real quality and played some neat football, but Rangers worked really hard in the heat of West Bromwich Albions Astro Turf Dome and played some neat football of their own. This was Staffords first friendly of the forthcoming season and there were plenty of positives to take from the game. Rangers solitary goal came from a really good header from Ben Skelton from a quality delivery from Sam Jolley. Debutant Hallum Jones did particularly well.

HOLLAND TOUR

BAS BUDDINGHUIZEN 0 - 6 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

VLIEDORP 'T VV 0 - 7 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Stafford Rangers Under 15s had a tremendously successful trip to the Netherlands [ both on and off the pitch ].

As the score lines would suggest Rangers were to strong for their hosts, however, Rangers played some delightful football and looked a team of real quality in both matches.

The facilities were fantastic at both venues and the hospitality was A1 as well, making us feel very welcome.

Successful trips to Ajax Stadium and an unforgettable night [ for numerous reasons !!!!!! ] in Amsterdam, made this a Tour to remember.

Well done boys, you were a credit to your parents and Stafford Rangers Juniors.

Sunday 3rd May

SHIRE OAK 4 - 3 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Stafford started the stronger in this entertaining game. Jon Fu opening the scoring from close range, Chris Nation then had a couple of chances to increase the lead, but good goal keeping kept him at bay. The home side then got into the game and came close on a number of occasions before finally equalizing just before the interval. After the break, the game really did see-saw, Shire Oak making it 2-1, then a good strike from the hard working Matt Hewett levelled the scores, but Shire Oak were playing some delightful football and looked dangerous every time they came forward and were soon ahead again. To their credit Rangers never gave up and Matt Hewett levelled again, this time from the spot, but the home side were not finished and with minutes to go made it 4-3.

Easy to see why Shire Oak are the leading goal scorers in the League, a really good team, but credit to Rangers for hanging in there and coming close to getting something from the game.

Wednesday 29th April

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 0 - 0 WRYLEY JUNIORS

Rangers were once again 'slow out of the blocks' in this tightly contested affair at Marston Road. Chances were few and far between, the only excitement in the first period was a good strike from Matt Hewett, which took a deflection and nestled in the bottom corner, but was disallowed for a dubious offside decision. Both teams cancelled each other out, Wryley arguably playing the better football. The second half was much the same, again Wryley maybe shading it in terms of pocession, but really neither team looked like scoring.

A disappointing performance and result, however, it may be a good point at the end of the season.

Wednesday 22nd April

WRYLEY JUNIORS 1 - 4 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Rangers returned to League action and responded brilliantly after the week-ends disappointing result.

Stafford were in a much more determined mood and dominated proceedings from the outset. Chris Nation opening the scoring with a cool finish and it was Nation again midway through the first half with a tremendous drive to make it two. The second half was much the same, the hard working James Butler making it 3-0 with a brilliant strike. To their credit Wryley refused to buckle and pulled a goal back from a good free-kick. However, it was Rangers who were well on top and it was no surprise when Ben Wightman completed the scoring, making it 4 - 1.

Tremendous team performance, well done boys.

Sunday 19th April 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 0 - 3 DANESMORE

Stafford went out of this years League Cup at the Semi-Final stage against a very good and very committed Danesmore team. Stafford, albeit with a number of injuries, started poorly and never really improved. The visitors were much the better team throughout the game, taking the lead midway through the first half with a good strike. The second half was much of the same, Rangers working hard, but without much quality and it was no surprise to see the visitors increase the lead, again with a good strike. A late penalty sealed the victory for Danesmore.

The positive was Rangers did work hard and gave it their all when nothing was going right, just a bad day at the office, the number of absent players not helping

Sunday 5th April 2009

CHASETOWN 0 - 4 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Stafford somewhat 'mugged' Chasetown in this close encounter, However, this was still an outstanding team performance from Rangers. Stafford just about shaded the first half, Josh Booker scoring direct from a free-kick. But, after the break Chasetown really pressed for the equalizer,good goal keeping and determined defending keeping them at bay, but, Rangers broke away and from the resulting corner, Will Hollowood made it 2 - 0. This deflated the opposition and Rangers really made them suffer with some good controlled football resulting in a Nation brace, giving the score line a slightly unbalanced look.

Tremendous performance from Rangers, every player playing their part. Nice to have Will Hollowood back from injury, and debutant Tahia Darr settling in well

Sunday 29th March 2009

GOODRICH F.C. 0 - 1 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS [ LEAGUE CUP ]

Stafford progressed to this seasons cup semi-final with a hard fought victory over a tough Goodrich side. There was very little between the sides early on, with Rangers coming closest with Ben Wightman nearly breaking the deadlock on more than one occassion. However, after the break Stafford began to get on top, Nation having a goal ruled out for offside, then Hewett and Fellows both coming close, but the pressure finally told, Matt Hewett with a powerful header giving Stafford the lead. A lead they deservedly held on to.

A very good team perfomance against a hard working Goodrich side

Sunday 15th March 2009

COLRON F.C 1 - 0 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS [shield]

Injury hit Rangers turned up with just 11 'relatively fit' lads, However, did themselves, club and parents proud. A really entertaining game, despite just the one goal, both sides playing some good football in an end to end affair. Rangers arguably having the better chances, Fellows coming close on more than one occasion. The midfield of Butler, Hewett. Beech and Fellows put in a tremendous shift and out fought the opposition for long periods. It looked like extra time, but at the death Colrons number 9 broke free and made no mistake, putting Stafford out of this years Shield.

Credit to both sides for an entertaining game. Outstanding for Rangers in a very good TEAM performance were Sam Beech, Matt Hewett, Tom Morris and captain Ben Skelton

Sunday 8th March 2009

WRYLEY 1 - 2 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS [ AET ]

A strong team performance was the key, as Rangers progressed to the next round of the League Cup. It was a typical tough clash against a strong Wryley outfit who started the better and put Stafford under some early pressure. However, after the initial onslaught , Rangers gradually worked their way into the game and indeed took the lead, after a Tom Morris flick it was Ben Wightman who made no mistake with a good strike. The game became a lot more even at this stage, but remained one nil at the interval. The second half was similar to the first, very little between the sides, but it was Wryley who equalized. Chances came and went at either end, so extra time it was, with Stafford arguabley edging the posession and it was a Chris Nation strike, albeit a deflection that sent Rangers through.

A good, strong team performance from Rangers. Outstanding in Rangers back four was Ryan Ball

Sunday 1st March 2009

GOODRICH F.C. 0 - 2 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Stafford got back to winning ways with arguably their best performance this season, in terms of passing and movement. Due to a number of injuries the team was reshuffled, but, this seemed to work well as Rangers started brightly and after coming close on a number of occasions, it was the impressive Matt Hewett with a well taken free kick who opened the scoring. The second goal was soon to follow, this time from a Sam Jolley corner, Tom Morris made no mistake with a tremendous header. Goodrich battled hard, but Stafford were well on top. The second half saw Goodrich come in to the game more and matched Stafford for most of the half, but Rangers still looked dangerous, both Fu and Morris coming close.

A really good team performance, on an excellent playing surface, impressive for Stafford were Tom Morris, Matt Hewett and the hard working Jon Fu.

22nd February 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 0 - 2 DANESMORE

Stafford started brightly in this game and were much the better side in the opening 20 minutes, but, against the run of play Danesmore broke away to open the scoring. This seemed to inspire the visitors and deflate Rangers and Danesmore began to gain the upper hand. The second half was becoming more and more one-sided as Stafford struggled to contain Danesmore, who dominated for long periods and it was no surprise to see them increase the lead, albeit with a fortunate corner kick, but no more than the visitors deserved. The game unfortunately took a turn for the worse as Staffords Jordan Whiteside landed awkwardly after a fair challenge and sustained a broken leg. The game was halted 10 mins early [ with the result standing ].

More injury woes for Rangers [ not having much luck this season ] but, our thoughts are with Jordan with everyone wishing him a speedy recovery

1st February 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 0 - 2 HARPFIELDS [ COUNTY CUP ]

Rangers were knocked out of the County Cup by a tough tackling and no nonsence Harpfields team. It was tough from the first whistle, but Stafford matched thier opponents and looked reasonably comfortable early on, but Harpfields gradually gained the upper hand and took the lead with a good strike, this inspired the visitors and they soon added another, again a good strike. Harpfields began to take charge of the game. However, after the interval, Rangers fought back well and had few half chances as the game became very even and indeed had a late goal ruled out by a questionable offside decision.

Harpfields deservedly went through.

18th January 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 1 - 0 FOUR OAK VESEYANS

A really lack-lustre performance from Rangers, who never showed any fluency to thier play and never really got going against a decent Four Oaks team. It would be all to easy to blame the heavy pitch, but this didn't seem to effect the visitors who belied thier lowly position and out passed Stafford for long periods. Rangers huffed and puffed, but chances were few and far between, but midway through the first half persistance prevailed and the hard working Sam Beech made no mistake from close range. However, this seemed to inspire the visitors more and they played some decent football without really troubling the Stafford goal.The second half was much the same, with one or two decent moves from Rangers, but it seemed to be a struggle to get going.

Difficult to look for positives, but, a win is a win, credit to Four Oaks for thier efforts.

11th January 2009

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 5 - 0 GREAT BARR HARRIERS

Stafford progressed to the next round of the Shield with a comfortable win over their visitors. Great Barr compete in a division below the Rangers, but showed on more than one occassion they had a lot of ability and play some good football. But, it came as no surprise when Nation finshed well to open the scoring. Then after good work from Sam Beech, man of the match James Butler made it two nil with good header. After the break Rangers started to dominate and Nation added a third before Jon Fu finished well for the fourth, it was all Stafford at this stage and Ben Wightman completed the scoring with a good strike.

A good performance after the xmas break.

21st December 2008

LEA HALL 0 - 1 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Rangers ended this year on a winning note, but were made to fight hard against a hard working, committed home side. Stafford probably shaded the first half, both Whiteside and Nation coming close, both denied by the impressive Lea Hall keeper. The second period was much the same, this time Jon Fu was kept at bay. Excellent defending kept the home side in it and with time running out Matt Hewett was pushed up front and had an immediate effect, his powerful drive resulted in Lea Halls keeper producing an tremendous save. Eventually, with minutes remaining, Skelton crossed and it was Jon Fu at the far post who finished well. Lea Hall continued to battle well and Dan Bates, Staffords keeper, was called on to ensure the victory.

Not a great performance, but credit to Lea Hall for a tremendous battling performance and an outstanding performance from their keeper.

14th December 2008

FOUR OAK VESEYANS 1 - 2 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Rangers had to grind out this latest victory, despite being the better side for long periods. It was a tremendous ball from Sam Jolley which Ben Skelton converted with a good, powerful header to give Stafford the lead, but Four Oaks battled well and equalized with a good goal of their own, again a good header. The second half saw Rangers on top and deservedly took the lead, Nation making no mistake from close range. Rangers were looking the stronger side and looked likely to increase their lead, but credit to Four Oaks who made Stafford work hard to earn their three points.

The boys needed to hold their discipline towards the end and got the right result

7th December 2008

CANNOCK RANGERS 1 - 3 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Rangers progressed to the next round of this seasons County Cup with a hard fought victory against a strong Cannock side. Chris Nation opening the scoring , latching on to a cross from Ben Skelton, one or two half chances to both sides came and went, the score 1-0 to Stafford at the break. Cannock responded well after the break and equalized midway through the first half, but Rangers still looked good going forward and the hard working James Butler restored the lead. Stafford were on top at this stage and Tom Morris put the result beyond doubt late on after good work from Nation.

A tough game against strong opposition, Butler, Whiteside, Morris and Skelton in top form.

30th November 2008

Four Oak Villians 0 - 5 Stafford Rangers Juniors

Rangers returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory over basement club Four Oaks.Once again Stafford started sluggish and Four Oaks created one or two half chances, but slowly but surely Rangers began to get the better of their opponents, the hard working Jordan Whiteside opening the scoring. The second half began with Stafford in a much more determined mood, James Butler added a second and then unleashed a tremendous strike to make it three nil, Rangers pressed forward and it was no surprise to see them increase their lead through Whiteside again with well taken goal. Jon Fu completed the scoring with good individual goal.

A good result, excellent performances from Tom Morris, James Butler and Jordan Whiteside

23rd November 2008

ECCLESHALL 1 - 0 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Stafford had the lions share in this close encounter against neighbouring Eccleshall. Chances were few and far between, Rangers arguably missing more than their opponents. In difficult conditions, both teams played some good, neat football, but both defences were on top and from early on it was clear that one goal may decide it. Despite Rangers having more possession, it was Eccleshall who broke the deadlock with fifteen minutes remaining, Stafford pressed hard for an equalizer, but the Eccleshall defence held firm.

A disappointing result, but not a disappointing performance, Rangers deserving something from the game.

9th November 2008

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 1 - 2 COLRON F.C.

Heavy rain and strong winds did nothing to dampen this entertaining game.Colron started the better and took an early lead with a good header. Once again Stafford were not at their best, but at a set piece it was Matt Hewett with a good strike to level things up. Colron again pressed forward and just before the interval went ahead with a good free kick. However, the second half saw Rangers dominate for long periods, playing some good football,chances came and went, the visitors goalkeeper in outstanding form and Colron held on for the win.

Stafford certainly deserved something from the game, but, both sides can take a lot of credit with their performances in atrocious conditions.

2nd November 2008- COUNTY CUP

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 2 - 1 HILLSIDE F.C

Rangers were far from thier best against a hard working Hillside team. Despite getting off to the best possible start, Tom Morris making no mistake from close range after only two minutes, from then Stafford struggled to get any fluency into their game. Hillside came more into the game, but midway through the second half, Jon Fu turned well and struck his fourth goal of the season, but again it was tough going and Hillside pulled a goal back.

Not the best of days, but through to the next round

19th October 2008

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 4 - 1 GOODRICH YOUTH F.C.

Rangers maintained their good start to the season against a good, hard-working Goodrich side. Chris Nation opening the scoring with a well taken goal, but the visitors responded well equalizing with a speculative effort, but it was Nation again on the stroke of half time restoring the lead for Stafford. The second half saw Goodrich in a determined mood and had a good twenty minute spell, only good goal-keeping preventing the equalizer. But Stafford kept plugging away and after good work from Jon Fu, it was Whiteside that made it 3-1 with a well taken goal. Then, with 10 minutes remaining, Ben Whiteman continued his recent goal scoring form with good strike , sealing the victory.

The 4-1 scoreline may be slightly flattering, but still a good team performance

12th October 2008

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 4 - 4 SHIRE OAK

Just as the score line would suggest, a very entertaining game. However, neither defences could be held responsible as one quality goal followed another. Rangers opened the scoring after good work from Ben Skelton it was Nation with a powerful header. Shire Oak responded well and scored twice just before half-time. The second half saw the fun begin, Skelton levelling with a good header, then Ben Whiteman with two tremendous strikes giving Stafford two goal cushion, however, Shire Oak were not finished, once again two tremendous strikes late on levelled the scores. A tremendous game.

Slightly disappointing after leading 4 - 2 with just eight minutes remaining, but credit to both sides for giving the parents a tremendous afternoons entertainment.

5th October 2008

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 6 - 1 LEA HALL.

As the score line would suggest, this was a one sided affair against a hard-working Lea Hall side. The visitors keeper was in outstanding form, producing one quality save after another, however he was eventually beaten when Jon Fu made no mistake from a Chris Nation cross . To their credit Lea Hall fought back to equalize just before the interval. The second half was much the same, Stafford creating numerous chances and eventually putting the result beyond doubt, Nation with two, Matt Hewett with two well taken headers, but it was Ben Wightmans strike which was arguably the pick of the goals.

A very good all round team performance

28th Sept 2008

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 2 - 1 CHASETOWN F.C.

Despite a number of injuries, Rangers did well against a strong Chasetown outfit. The first half was very even, but it was Chasetown who broke the deadlock with a speculative long range effort giving keeper Dan Bates little chance. Stafford responded well and had a few half chances. But it was after the break that Stafford began to press and after a goal mouth scramble it was Matt Hewett who levelled things up. Then after good work from Jordan Whiteside it was Will Hollowood who delivered a perfect ball for Hewett again, a tremendous header this time making the score 2-1. Stafford looked strong in the latter stages and deserved the three points.

A good victory, considering the number of players missing

Sept 21st 2008

COLRON F.C. 1 - 2 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

A solid team performance was the key to this latest win. Rangers started well and were soon domoinating the preceedings. Fu and Fellows both came close to opening the scoring, but, it was the hard working Josh Booker who broke the deadlock with a.well taken goal. Stafford were well in control, but Colron still looked dangerous on the break. After the interval Stafford again looked strong and it was no suprise to see them increase thier lead, a good strike from Ben Whiteman, his first for the club that gave Rangers a 2 - 0 lead. Stafford were well on top, Morris and Fellows again coming close, but credit to Colron who never gave up and they pulled a goal back at the death.

An excellent team performance.

Wednesday 17th Sept

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 1 - 1 ECCLESHALL EAGLES

Very much a game of two halves, Eccleshall started brightly and dictated the early exchanges but good defending kept chances down to a minimum. Eagles knocked the ball round well and eventually, deservedy took the lead through Whitehurst. Rangers really needed the half-time whistle to re-organise and started the second period in much more determined fashion, the insperational Jim Butler and Jordan Whiteside leading by example, and it was Whiteside who levelled the scores midway through the second half. The game then became a lot even, both sides coming close , but, a draw it was.

A good team performance against a very good Eccleshall team.

Sunday 13th September

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 2 - 1 FOUR OAK VILLIANS

Stafford got off to a winning start in this seasons campaign despite a number of injuries somewhat depleting the squad. Rangers started well and were soon dominating the play and it was Jon Fu who opened the scoring with a clever header, but despite chances coming and going they could not increase thier lead before the interval. However, the second half was different story, Four Oaks came more into the game and Staffords passing became sloppy, Four Oaks equalizing with well taken set-piece. The game was alot more even, but Rangers wrapped up the points when Ben Skelton struck from 10 yards.

A reasonable performance.

CHASETOWN 1 - 1 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

An unfortunate incident before kick-off which involved Ryan Ball, a dangerous spiky fence and a trip to the hospital, meant Stafford had to re-shuffle. Then shortly after kick-off an injury to James Butler left Rangers at sixes and sevens.So, it was hardly surprising that Chasetown started the stronger, and midway through the first- half took the lead with a long range effort. Chasetown were the better side and Rangers were glad to see half time .Stafford were a lot better after the break, both Fu and Skelton coming close, but, it was a good strike from Matt Hewett that gained Stafford a well deserved point against a tough Chasetown team.

A difficult game against tough tackling,well organised and hard working opposition..

Danesmore Casuals 2 - 3 Stafford Rangers Juniors

A quality game that had everything .Rangers taking the lead from the spot, Jamie Fellows making no mistake. The game was fairly even, but Will Hollowood unleashed a long range strike to put Rangers two nil up at the interval. After the break it was no surprise to see Danesmore peg Stafford back, but Rangers defence and the impressive Dan Bates between the sticks were difficult to pass. Eventually Danesmore did score and they were soon on level terms, once again an outstanding strike. However, it was Stafford who secured the points, Tom Morris hitting the winner from 10 yards.

Credit to both teams for the standard of football played, entertaining, exciting and a lot of quality football played by both teams.

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 2 - 1 COLRON

A tremendous team performance was the key to this latest victory. Stafford started well, but appeared fortunate when the ref awarded a penalty,Jamie Fellows making no mistake. Hollowood and Butler worked tirelessly in Rangers midfield stifling any threat Colron could pose. Nation and Whiteside came close to increasing the lead but it was Colron on the stroke of half-time who scored . The second half was an end to end affair keenly contested by two strong teams and it was a special goal, a great strike from Fellows that gave Stafford the three points.

A top performance, every player playing their part.

SHIRE OAK 0 - 0 STAFFORD RANGER JUNIORS [ RANGERS WINNING 5 - 4 ON PENS]

Rangers booked their place in this years League cup Final with a tremendous team performance. Despite the 0 - 0 score line this was a really entertaining end to end game. Rangers started the better, but chances were at a premium. Shire Oak looked strong and quick and pressed for the opening goal, but Stafford's defence held firm. The game then became very even, both teams giving 100%, but with both defences playing so well, it was no surprise to see the tie go into extra time, again, the deadlock could not be broken so penalties it was. Even then it went to sudden death and it was Rangers keeper Dan Bates the hero with the all important save.

Difficult to pick out individuals in such a good team performance but Matt Hewett and Ryan Ball were exceptional.

ERDINGTON 1 - 4 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

A solid team performance, Jordan Whiteside opening the scoring from close range. Then after a long throw from Ben Skelton, Sam Jolley did well to make it 2-0 with a clever goal. To their credit Erdington worked hard and reduced the arrears just before half -time, but in the second half Stafford took control and tremendous strikes from Jamie Fellows and James Butler sealed all three points

A good team performance, the back four of Morris, Skelton, Hewett and Ball looking strong and assured

Another Final boys, well done you deserve it.

COLRON 2 - 0 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Stafford bowed out of this seasons shield at the quarter-final stage. Rangers never really got going in this tight but scrappy affair. However, chances were at a premium as both defences looked strong, Tom Morris excelling in Stafford's back four. Defences were on top and the score remained 0-0 at the interval. Again, after the break, chances were few and far between and indeed it took a rather special goal to break the deadlock. a well taken volley from Colrons number 7. This spurred Colron on and they quickly scored again with a good strike. To Stafford's credit they worked hard to get back in the game, but never really threatened the Colron goal.

A game of few chances, Stafford worked hard but Colron just shaded it and deserved to go through.

LEA HALL 0 - 1 STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS

Stafford progressed to this years semi-final of the league cup, but not without one or two scares. Lea Hall starting the stronger, coming close on a number of occasions, but a combination of good defending and good goal-keeping kept the score 0-0 at the interval. However, after the break Rangers began to get into the game more and after good work from Jordan Whiteside it was Ali Deane who made no mistake from close range. Lea Hall responded well, but it was Stafford who came close to increasing the lead, both Whiteside and Fu coming close. A one nil victory arguably a fair result.

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 2 - 2 WRYLEY

Once again, a very competitive affair. Rangers taking the lead as early as the first minute, Jordan Whiteside with the final touch after good work from Jamie Fellows. Stafford pressed forward and came close on a number of occasions to increase the lead, but good goal-keeping kept the score at 1-0 at the interval.The second half was a different story, Wryley grabbed hold of the game and put Stafford on the back foot, only good defending prevented Wryley scoring, but, eventually the equalizer came, a good header at the far post. Rangers responded well and took the lead again, this time through Fellows, but Wryley were soon back on top and they deservedly equalized for a second time in the closing five minutes.

Not Staffords best performance of late, but praise to referee Dan Kroll for his composure in a difficult game.

A good performance against a very strong side.

STAFFORD RANGERS JUNIORS 0 - 0 FOUR OAKS VESEYIANS

A good entertaining 0 - 0 game with Stafford dominating for large periods. On a good surface Rangers started well both Jon Fu and Alistair Deane both coming close, the Four Oaks keeper pulling off some fine saves. James Butler and Ryan Ball stepped in for the injured Matt Hewett and Sam Beech respectively and both performed really well but the score remained 0 - 0 at the interval. After the break, once again the Four Oaks keeper made 'Top Drawer' saves to keep Stafford at bay, but to their credit Four Oaks had a couple of chances of their own, but Dan Bates was also difficult to pass in the Stafford goal. Chances came and went but the score remained 0 - 0.

A good performance, a game we should have won, but credit to the Four Oaks keeper who was exceptional