Under 18s History

 

13th August

'The Youth travelled to Lilleshall National Sports Centre to take on AFC Telford Youth who are led by former Wolves player Andy Thompson.

Rangers conceded in the 7th minute after failing to clear their lines following an inswinging corner. The scores were levelled in the 8th minute via Sean Goughs 30yd effort that flew in to the top corner. Half time 1-1.

The second half continued to be evenly contested with chances at both ends. Telford scored what proved to be the winner in the 84th minute following a mis-placed defensive header. Full time 2-1.

Squad: Orme, Cliffe, Bell, Humpage, A.Gough, S.Gough, Wain, K.Ellis, Tonks, Jones, Doody, Camara, Evans, T.Ellis, Robinson.'

4th August

The Boro's u18's travelled to Rocesters Hillsfield Ground and exacted some measure of revenge, on the clubs behalf, in this local 'derby' pre-season game.

The match was played in three 30 minute segments which allowed both sides to make regular adjustments to their line-ups.

After an even opening Rangers took the lead through a Bell header following a Humpage free kick that was whipped into the box. This made the score line 0-1 after 60 mins. Rangers went on to score a further 7 (seven) goals in the last 30 mins to complete an 0-8 scoreline.

Scorers: Hodnet 2, Bell 1, S,Gough 2, Doody 1, McGinley 1 & Camara 1.

Squad: Cliffe, Humpage, Ellis, Bell, Kroll, S.Gough, Bettany, Armitage, A.Gough, Robinson, Hodnet, McGinley, M.Jones, McFarlane, Doody.

27 July ko 2pm.

'Our youngsters came away with an impressive win against Tipton Town Youth FC from the Midland Floodlit League Western Division under the hot sun at Knighton Sports & Social Club.

In difficult conditions both teams played at a high tempo throughout this tough encounter. Following an even opening 30mins Rangers fell behind when Tipton took full advantage of a defensive error. Rangers equalised just on half time when skipper Bettany found the net from close range. Both teams were taking advantage of the water breaks which did little to interrupt the flow of the game. Rangers took the lead when Robinson rolled into an empty net after good approach play. Tipton continued to impress and only a smart save by Cliffe and the woodwork kept the visitors at bay. Rangers did have the ball in the net on 3 more occasions but were denied by the flag. Both teams can take great credit from their displays and this makes for three wins out of three so far during our pre-season. FT 2-1.

Squad: Armitage, Bettany, Camara, Cliffe, S.Gough, A.Gough, Haynes, Hodnet, Bell, Humpage, McGinley, Robinson, Tonks, Wain, Warren, Ellis, Orme.'

21st July

'The u18's continued their impressive pre-season form by cruising past a more physical and mature opponent in Woodseaves FC from the Stafford & District Sunday League yesterday.

HT 0-3, FT 0-4.

Scorers were Hodnet 2, S. Gough 1, McFarlane 1. '

Wednesday 16th July 2008 at Denstone College

'Rangers U18's played out a fine 8-0 win against a team from Manchester United Soccer Schools at Denstone College last night. Rangers included a number of trialists during the 90mins (which was played in 22.5min quarters) in what was a good 'loosener' for the coming season. Scorers were; McGinley 2, Phillips 2, Hodnet 1, Southall 1, Camera 1, Tonks 1.

Their next friendly is against Woodseaves FC on Sunday 20th July away at Knighton S&S ground, ko 11am.'

 

Stafford Rangers U17’s v Haywood Hornets

Sunday 20th April

Stafford Rangers u17 made it an unbeaten league campaign with a well deserved win against local rivals Haywood Hornets. Stafford started brightly but were kept at bay through some good goalkeeping from the hornets keeper denying both Camara and McGinley in 1v1 situations, the deadlock was eventually broken when Dean Humpage cut inside from the right to fire in at the near post after 15mins. Their lead was almost doubled on the half hour with only the crossbar keeping out a Charlie Jones header from Tom Tonks cross. Rangers had goalkeeper Joel Cliffe to thank saving bravely to deny the Haywoods forward from their best attack of the half.

The second half started much brighter with Stafford playing some good attacking football. They got their reward on 58mins when Sean Gough calmly finished a 1v1 from a good pass from Dan Armitage. It was then a Tom Tonks header on 63mins from close range which stretched Staffords lead to put the game out of reach from Haywood. Joe Pickering went close twice after coming on with good efforts and eventually got his reward following up his own shot to score the games final goal in the 88th minute.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; D. Humpage, T. Bill, S. Wain, M. Jones,

T. Tonks (G. Bettany 76), C. Jones, D. Armitage, S. Gough

C. McGinley (J. Hodnet 55), U. Camara (J. Pickering 70)

Stafford Rangers u17’s v Shamblers Youth - 09/03/08

League Cup Quarter Final

Rangers under 17’s faced Shamblers Youth in the quarter finals of the league cup, with both teams getting the luxury of good conditions on a superb pitch. As the game progressed it was Rangers that gained the momentum, bossing the game from the midfield with George Bettany and Charlie Jones linking up well to set up attacking moves. Rangers got the breakthrough on 14 minutes with Jones getting hold of the ball from a throw in on the right and placing it well past the keeper to make it 1-0. Four minutes later Tom Tonks did the same getting hold of the ball from a throw in on the left, to turn and place the ball with power over the keeper in to the top corner to make it 2-0. After another four minutes, good pressure from the Rangers wide players forced another throw in high up the field, and this time it was Jon Hodnet who got hold of the ball to hit it into the top corner to make it 3-0. Shamblers tried to get back in the match but the Rangers defence were very strong and well organised and did not allow them any shots on goal.

In the second half Rangers stepped up the tempo and put together a series of fluid team moves. Fifteen minutes into the second half they went four up when they stroked the ball across the pitch with ease to carve open the Shamblers defence. Conner McGinley received the ball on the edge of the box dragged it wide and passed it across the 6 yard box to Bettany, who cheekily back heeled it past the keeper. Shamblers got a goal back ten minutes later from a free kick after a hand ball on the edge of the box. The free kick bounced over the wall and the Shamblers striker hit it in from close range to give them some hope. This however was the only time in the match that the Rangers goal was troubled. Stafford maintained their concentration and put the tie beyond doubt 15 minutes from time with an excellent team move that was finished off with Jon Hodnet beating his marker and crossing the ball into the middle for Bettany to calmly slot past the keeper to make the final score 5-1 and put Rangers through to the semi-final.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; D. Humpage, T. Bill, S. Wain, K. Phillips,

T. Tonks, G. Bettany, C. Jones (D. Armitage 85), S. Gough (M. Jones 82),

U. Camera (C. McGinley 57), J. Hodnet

SRFC u17's vs Audley Youth FC.

Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008

First Half

Having beaten Audley Youth away from home last week, Rangers faced the same team at home in the return tie this week, knowing that a win would secure the County Minor Youth League First Division title. From the outset Rangers stamped their mark on the game winning every loose ball, tackling strongly and retaining possession well. It was not long before Stafford went ahead, after a period of good pressure Jamie Haynes delivered a perfect corner to the back post, where Tom Bill leapt and headed powerfully over the keeper. Stafford went two up soon after when Sean Gough was brought down in the box. Ashley Phillips calmly slotted away the penalty to make it2-0. Audley added to their woes a little later when a defender got in the way of a fast cross from Jon Hodnet and bundled it into his own goal. Before half-time Audley brought even more pressure on themselves when a poor clearance from the keeper was pounced on by Southall, who ran forward and planted it past the keeper to make it 4-0 at the interval.

Second Half

In the second half Rangers continued where they left off, stringing together a series of creative attacking moves, to which Audley had no answer. New signing Umar Camara played a neat back heel to Phillips who sprinted through the middle and placed it round the keeper to make it 5-0. Southall was on the score sheet again a few minutes later when he got on the end of a drive from Phillips and sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 6-0. Hodnet rounded off the scoring with a fine run from the flank, coming inside to beat the keeper and make the final score 7-0.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe;

D. Humpage, T. Bill, K. Phillips, J. Pickering,

J. Haynes, D. Armitage, A. Phillips, S. Gough (U. Camara 57),

S. Southall, J. Hodnet

Stafford Rangers U17s 1 - Leek CSOB 0 - 6th January 2008

The under 17s team played against the second place Leek CSOB in a top of the table clash.After 60 minutes it was still 0-0 but then Jon Hodnet managed to tuck the ball away giving the U17s the lead and winning them the game.

Sam Wain put in another Man -of-the-match performance. Tom Holroyd stated that ' they controlled the game from start to finish'. It now leaves the boys 10 points clear with one game in hand, a tremendous effort so far.

(Report taken from Staffford Rangers programme 12/01/08)

Stafford Rangers u17’s v Cheadle Town Juniors ‘A’ - 02/12/07

First Half

With Rangers normal home pitch waterlogged, the game was played on a small, narrow pitch. This and the strong cross wind made it difficult for both sides to get the ball down and play to feet. Instead it was a game of hustle and bustle and it was Rangers who took the lead after 19 minutes when Aaron Gough launched a throw in to the box, that the Cheadle number 5 headed back towards his goal. The keeper stood there transfixed while the ball looped over his head and into the net to make it 1-0. However just 4 minutes later Cheadle pulled level when their keeper launched a long ball forward and the strong number 8 got the best of the bounce to run through into the box and hit a powerful shot that sailed into the goal to make it 1-1. Encouraged Cheadle played some of their best football and mounted sustained pressure on the Stafford defence. Cheadle came close with a series of promising free kicks but each time Rangers keeper Joel Cliffe was positioned well and caught each shot cleanly. Four minutes before the interval it was Rangers who scored to reclaim the lead when the ball fell nicely for Jon Hodnet at the edge of the box. Hodnet powered a well aimed shot to the right of the keeper to make it 2-1.

Second Half

Rangers extended the lead just one minute after the restart when Hodnet made a good run down the right and was brought down by the trailing defender. Jamie Haynes floated the resulting free kick across the box and under good pressure from Sam Wain the ball bounced off a Cheadle defender and went past the keeper for another own goal to make the score 3-1 to Rangers. As the game wore on Cheadle tired and looked less and less likely to threaten the Rangers goal. With the rest of the half pretty scrappy, Rangers were comfortable winners and extended their running streak to eight wins at the top of the league.

Team 4-4-1-1

J. Cliffe; D. Foster, T. Bill, S. Wain, A. Gough,

J. Haynes (K. Phillips 82), C. Jones, D. Armitage, Sean Gough (J. Pickering 54),

T. Tonks

J. Hodnet (A. Phillips 82)

Stafford Rangers u17’s v Leek CSOB U17’s

Sentinel Cup 2nd round – 25/11/07

First Half

Rangers looked like getting off to the perfect start when Jon Hodnet was tripped in the box after just three minutes and the referee awarded a penalty. Unfortunately Hodnet hit the bar with the penalty kick and Leek breathed a sigh of relief. The rest of the half was pretty uneventful but as the game wore on Leek started to gain momentum and ten minutes before the interval they won a throw up-field after a period of good pressure on their left flank. They took the throw quickly and then floated the ball across the box for their right winger Alex Miller to hit home at the back post and give Leek the lead.

Second Half

Rangers got back on level terms 20 minutes into the second half when the ball fell to Jamie Haynes on the right wing after a powerful shot from Charlie Jones was blocked. Unopposed, Haynes steadied himself looked up and floated a superb long range shot over the keeper and into the top corner to make it 1-1. With full time just about up, it looked as if Leek had surely won the tie when they took advantage of a scramble in the penalty area to get a shot on goal and give them a 2-1 lead. However in the 92nd minute Rangers won a corner and through sheer determination Sam Wain beat everyone to the ball at the back post to head past the keeper and keep Rangers in the tie by making it 2-2.

Extra time

With both teams very tired, extra time was pretty scrappy. Leek felt very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when it looked like their attacker was pushed over in the box. But the referee was right on the spot and saw no infringement. Rangers held on for the draw and it went to penalties.

Penalties

Leek kicked first and put themselves 1-0 up with a powerful shot into the top left corner. Joe Pickering pulled it back to 1-1 with a superb strike into the bottom left corner. Leek regained the lead to make it 2-1 with a strong shot to the right. Rangers again equalised this time with Sean Gough placing the ball low in the bottom right corner. Next keeper Joel Cliffe gave Rangers the advantage with an excellent save to keep the score at 2-2. Tom Tonks then gave Stafford the initiative by making it 2-3 to Rangers with a well placed shot into the bottom right corner. Leek kept themselves in the shoot-out with a powerful shot to make it 3-3. Then Sam Wain gave Rangers a clear advantage by making it 3-4 to Rangers with a powerful shot to the keepers left. The tie was decided when Cliffe pulled off another superb save to deny the last Leek penalty taker and to put Rangers through to the next round.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; S. Gough, S. Wain, T. Bill (K. Phillips 111), A. Gough,

D. Humpage (D. Foster 82), D. Armitage, C. Jones (T. Tonks 115), J. Haynes,

J. Hodnet, J. Pickering

Stafford Rangers u17’s v Westport FC – 11/11/07

First Half

Westport had learned from their last encounter with Rangers, where they conceded 5 goals and this time approached the match with a far more defensive attitude, and for large parts of the game this paid off. Westport defended tight and deep and did not commit too many players forward, even when in possession. Rangers looked comfortable for most of the game but did not completely dominate the play and right till the end it looked as if Westport could possibly get something out of the match. However the vast majority of chances fell to Rangers. Early in the first half Joe Pickering made an excellent run down the left and got a good cross into the middle that John Hodnet put narrowly wide. A bit later Pickering got an equally good cross into the danger area and this time it was Jamie Haynes that hit it wide. The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Tom Tonks made a good run into the box and was sandwiched by the two central defenders. Ashley Phillips made no mistake from the penalty spot, placing it low past the keeper to give Rangers a 1-0 lead.

Second Half

Rangers created several chances in the second half to extend the lead but determined defending and good goalkeeping from Westport kept Rangers at bay. Perhaps the best chance was when Ashley Phillips sidestepped his marker, but before he could shoot he was brought down at the edge of the box. Sam Wain took the resulting free kick superbly with the ball clearing the wall and dipping perfectly, but the Westport keeper was fully alert and made a good jump to tip it over the bar. Although Westport frustrated Rangers for much of this match it was nonetheless another win for Stafford and maintains their unbeaten run and consolidates their position at the top of the table.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; S. Gough, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough

J. Haynes, T. Tonks, C. Jones, J. Pickering

A. Phillips, J. Hodnet (D. Humpage 83)

Stafford Rangers u17’s v Leek CSOB u17's – 04/11/07

First Half

Rangers got off to perfect start in this top of the division clash with Leek. With just two minutes on the clock Ashley Phillips got to the by-line and cut the ball back into the centre for Jon Hodnet to calmly take a touch and place it past the keeper and make it 1-0. Stung into action Leek tried to get back in the match and put pressure on the Stafford defence forcing an excellent diving save from keeper Joel Cliffe. But it was Rangers who went further ahead in the 27th minute. Ashley Phillips hit a strong shot from the edge of the box that the keeper could only parry and Sean Southall reacted quickly making no mistake in rifling home the rebound.

Second Half

Rangers really showed their class at the start of the second half scoring two good team goals to go four up. First in the 54th minute Ashley Phillips made a first touch pass that Joe Pickering ran onto and hit perfectly from just inside the area past the keeper. And then one minute later Jon Hodnet made a superb run on the right and crossed the ball into the centre for Ashley Phillips. Ashley sidestepped the keeper but before he could shoot the keeper pulled him to the floor! Phillips made no mistake from the penalty spot sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 4-0. It was good to see that even with a comfortable lead Stafford kept up the pressure and continued to play good football. Rangers extend their lead in the 86th minutes when Tom Robinson made a strong run on the right, beating the defender and hitting a perfect fizzing cross into the centre. The defender had to do something and under pressure he kicked the ball past the keeper into his own goal to make it 5-0. Despite the score line Leek continued to play some good football and got back a consolation goal one minute later when their striker Greg Johnson, who had being having a good lively match, latched on to the ball from a Rangers goal kick and hit it low into the corner to make it 5-1. Encouraged, Leek pushed for another and came close from a free kick, forcing an excellent defensive header from Sam Wain at the back post. This capped another solid performance from Sam and the Stafford defence who had limited the Leek opportunities to just a handful through the match. Two minutes into injury time Rangers put the icing on the cake when Ashley Phillips latched onto a loose ball in the centre and ran through, beating the defender to slot the ball past the advancing keeper to make the final score 6-1 and to round off a good strong Stafford team performance.

Team 4-4-1-1

J. Cliffe; S. Gough, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough,

T. Tonks, C. Jones, D. Armitage (D. Humpage 80), S. Southall (J. Pickering 35)

A. Phillips,

J. Hodnet (T. Robinson 70)

28th October 2007

Stafford Town u17’s v Stafford Rangers u17's – 28/10/07

First Half

Rangers found one of their toughest tests of the season so far, in this Sentinel cup tie against a dogged Stafford Town team from the division below. On a small pitch Town defended deep and played with just a lone striker. Although Rangers had the vast majority of the possession, they failed to put any incisive passing moves together and the strike partnership of Ashley Phillips and Jon Hodnet struggled to stamp their presence on the game. Half time 0-0.

Second Half

Town got off to a perfect start in the second half. On 52 minutes a shot from the edge of the box was perfectly placed over the keeper to give Town a 1-0 lead. Rangers picked up the tempo and started to gain momentum with Sean and Arran Gough working well on the left. It was one of their attacks that led to a free kick on 61 minutes that Arran floated into the box. Ashley Phillips managed to glance it over the keeper, who could only get a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out. With the score at 1-1 Rangers started playing much better attacking football but the Stafford Town keeper was excellent and kept the team in the match. Just when it looked like the Town defensive tactics were going to pay off and lead to extra time, the ball fell to Tom Robinson at the edge of the box. Tom smashed a powerful shot at goal that the keeper could only parry. Ashley Phillips hooked the rebound into the top corner and Rangers earned a deserved place in the next round. Full credit though must go to an excellent defensive and goalkeeping display from Stafford Town under 17’s who made it a real tight match.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; K. Phillips, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough,

J. Haynes (T. Robinson 74), C. Jones, D. Armitage, S. Southall (S. Gough 59)

A. Phillips, J. Hodnet (J. Pickering 90)

Date: Sun, 21st Oct 2007

Shamblers v Stafford Rangers u17's

First Half

Rangers got off to a very quick start in this match going two up within10 minutes. First Ashley Phillips ghosted across the box to convert a cross from Sean Gough on 7 minutes and then two minutes later Sean Gough claimed a goal for himself latching on well and finishing a cross from Jon Hodnet. It looked like the game was going to be all one way and Rangers did keep up the pressure and won corner after corner but they squandered every chance they made. Then just 4 minutes before half time Shamblers got a goal back when Glen Jensen floated in a cross from the wing that somehow went all the way through and into the net.

Second Half

Rangers started the second half exactly the same as the first, getting two quick goals. Charlie Jones and Sean Gough were instrumental in both. First on 56 minutes Charlie scored, doing well to flick on a cross from Sean Gough to beat the keeper. Then Charlie turned provider, laying on a good ball for Sean to run onto and slot past the keeper. At 4-1 Shamblers started to fight back and created several attacking moves of their own but Sam Wain was having an excellent game in defence, winning header after header and interception after interception. However Shamblers persistence eventually paid off three minutes before time when they won a free kick on the edge of the box. Their left back Marcus Fragola floated the ball over the wall and into the top right corner to make it 4-2. Just one minute later however Rangers reclaimed the three goal lead when Joe Pickering used great pace to sprint on to a through ball and beat the defender to slot it past the keeper and make the final score 5-2.

Team 4-4-1-1

J. Cliffe; K. Phillips, T. Bill, S. Wain, A. Gough,

T. Tonks (J. Haynes 59), C. Jones, D. Armitage, S. Gough (S. Southall 76)

A. Phillips,

J. Hodnet (J. Pickering 88)

Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007

Stafford Rangers U18’s v Stafford Rangers u17's

First Half

Rangers under 17’s had much the best of the first 25 minutes creating several promising chances but the under 18’s held on. Then Sean Southall, who had been playing well on the left was brought down by a bad challenge and had to be substituted. The Under 18’s now took the initiative and scored 2 quick goals in succession. However the 17’s fought back and ten minutes later Jon Hodnet reduced the deficit with a shot from close range to make it 2-1. The 18’s extended the lead to 3-1 with a good attacking move just one minute later. Again the 17’s fought back and on the stroke of half time, Charlie Jones played a superb pass across the field to Kieran Phillips, who advanced into the box and hit a first time shot past the keeper to make it 3-2.

Second Half

Just 10 minutes into the second half the under 18’s increased the lead to 4-2 and looked on top. But the 17’s were determined to make a game of it and for the rest of the half played the strongest football, with Charlie Jones in particular dominating the midfield. After a period of sustained pressure the 17’s won a corner. Sean Gough floated it in and captain Tom Bill rose perfectly at the back post to head it in and make it 4-3. Then with 15 minutes left to go Jon Hodnet forced a ball into the danger zone that was rebounded in for an own goal to level the score at 4-4. The under 17’s pushed on for the winner keeping the 18’s on the back foot. Jon Hodnet nearly clinched it getting through on goal but keeper Dan Allen pushed it wide. Other chances fell quickly to Joe Pickering and Charlie Jones but again Dan Allen saved. Then a last ditch block kept a shot from Ashley Phillips out. Just as the game looked set for extra time the under 18’s pushed the ball forward to Tom Doody who turned expertly, moved across the face of goal and finished with a sure shot to make the final score 5-4 to the under 18’s.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; K. Phillips, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough,

D. Humpage (S. Gough 62), C. Jones, D. Armitage, S. Southall(J. Pickering 26)

A. Phillips, J. Hodnet

Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2007

Longton Harriers U17’s v Stafford Rangers u17's – 07/10/07

First Half

Rangers had the best of the play in the first half creating several promising attacks with Jamie Haynes and Sean Gough working well from the wings to get crosses into the box but the Longton defence and keeper were very well organised to keep Stafford at bay.

Second Half

Longton came out strong in the second half forcing Joel Cliffe to make a couple of good saves but as the game progressed Rangers gained the momentum. The Stafford defence again stuck well to their task and limited any threats. Rangers broke the deadlock in the 75th minute. Ashley Phillips won the ball in midfield and fed it wide to Sean Gough, who played a perfect cross into the box to pick out Jon Hodnet who placed it past the keeper to make it 1-0. Seven minutes later Rangers extended the lead when Arran and Sean Gough combined superbly on the left wing. Sean received the ball and knocked it back to Arran who played a defence splitting pass, back to Sean who had ran outside the defender. Sean then picked out a perfect cross into the back post for Ashley Phillips to rise and head it past the keeper and make the final score 2-0.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; D. Foster, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough,

J. Haynes, C. Jones, D. Armitage, S. Gough (J. Pickering 82)

A. Phillips (C. Grimley 89), J. Hodnet (S. Southall 88)

Cheadle Town Juniors ‘A’ v Stafford Rangers u17's – 30/09/07

First Half

Rangers found their best form of the season so far against Cheadle, putting in an all round solid performance. For the first 15 minutes it looked like this could be a tough match with Cheadle winning much of the ball with their strong midfielders but the Stafford defence stood firm and rode the early threats. Once Rangers got on top however there was no holding them. The attacking moves on the right in particular were fast and scintillating with David Foster and Jamie Haynes combining well with Jon Hodnet. Rangers went in 2-0 up at half time with good goals from Dan Armitage (14 minutes) and Jamie Haynes (24 minutes).

The second half though was something else, Cheadle were undone time and again by the pace, strength and creativity of the Stafford attacks. Just 18 minutes from the restart Stafford had extended their lead to 5-0 with a goal from Ashley Phillips (51 minutes) and two from Jon Hodnet (53 minutes and 63 minutes). Cheadle got a consolation goal with their keeper scoring from the penalty spot after their attacker was brought down in the box (77 minutes). But Stafford added a further three, one from a forced Cheadle own goal (76 minutes) and goals apiece for Craig Grimley (79 minutes) and Sean Gough (89 minutes) to make the final score a well deserved 8-1.

Team 4-4-1-1

J. Cliffe; D. Foster, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough (J. Pickering 70)

J. Haynes (T. Tonks 52), C. Jones, D. Armitage, S. Gough

A. Phillips

J. Hodnet (C. Grimley 76

Stafford Rangers u17's v Stafford Town u18's – 23/09/07

First Half

Stafford Rangers u17’s consolidated their position at the top of County Minor Division 1 with a good win against rivals Stafford Town. The first half was evenly matched with both teams defending well to prevent any clear cut chances. Half time 0-0.

Second Half

Right at the start of the second half Rangers lost the ball and Anthony Singh made a mazy run to feed Cameron Green who struck at the near post to give Town a 1-0 lead. (46 minutes). But just two minutes later Rangers hit back with Ashley Phillips slotting a through ball for Jon Hodnet to take in his stride and dink into the bottom corner to make it 1-1 (48 minutes). Rangers now started to control the game and took the lead after Tom Doody flicked on a throw-in, perfectly for Ashley Phillips to knock home and make it 2-1. (71 minutes). Rangers wrapped up the game with 6 minutes to go when Tom Doody made a good run beating his defender, to cross in for Jon Hodnet to tap in and make it 3-1. (84 minutes). Town almost got a consolation goal in the last minute with a well placed free kick but keeper Joel Cliffe made a brilliant save to push it over the bar. Full time 3-1.

Team 4-4-2

J. Cliffe; D. Foster, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough,

S. Gough, C. Jones, A. Phillips (D. Armitage 90), S. Southall (J. Haynes 79),

J. Hodnet (C. Grimley 84), T. Doody

Stafford Rangers v Haywood Hornets? 16/09/07

 

 First Half

 For most of the first half Haywood Hornets played at a slow pace and never

 looked like threatening the Stafford goal. Stafford more than matched

 them but were more attack minded. The first 30 minutes passed, then Jon Hodnet with a determined run on the right passed it

 across the box for Tom Tonks to neatly hit home to make it 1-0 (34 minutes).

 Second Half

 Five minutes into the second half Haywood Hornets levelled the score. The

 ball was crossed to their striker Joe Murray, who had plenty of space on the

left to pass it into the bottom left corner to make it 1-1 (50 minutes).

 Stafford regained the lead 10 minutes later when Jon Hodnet latched on to a

 through ball from Ashley Phillips and drove into the box. Jon fizzed it

 across the goal for Sean Gough to run in at the back post and slip it round

 the keeper and make it 2-1 (62 minutes). Again Hornets hit back when a cross

from the right which their midfielder Joe Domachie struck home from the edge of the box to make it 2-2 (70 minutes).

 Rangers upped the tempo and started to play some good football.

 Substitute Tom Doody worked well to raise the game and the rest of the team

 followed his example. A good ball up the line from Dean Humpage was chased

 down by Jon Hodnet, who crossed it for Tom Doody to glance in and make it

3-2 (75 minutes). Four minutes later Dean played a good cross from the

 right wing for Ashley Phillips to head down and make it 4-2 (79 minutes).

 With just two minutes to go it was Dean again who played a perfect cross,

 this time for Jon Hodnet to power in from close range and make the final

 score 5-2 (88 minutes).

 Team 4-4-2

 J. Cliffe; D. Humpage, S. Wain, T. Bill, A. Gough,

 T. Tonks (J Haynes 80), C. Jones, A. Phillips, Sean Southall (S. Gough 35),

 J. Hodnet, Craig Grimley (T. Doody 60

Westport FC v Stafford Rangers U17 - 09/09/07

First Half

Rangers started brightly against what looked like pretty tame opposition but

then after 4 minutes a seemingly simple headed ball back to keeper Joel Cliffe was

misjudged and Westport No. 5 was presented with the ball at his feet to

place in the top right corner and make it 1-0. Rangers went further behind

when the ball was headed back and forth at the edge of the area until it

fell to the tall striker, number 16, who in lots of space, calmly lifted it

over the keeper to make it 2-0 (23 minutes). Rangers finally woke up and

realised they needed to play proper football rather than just hoof it up and

put together a series of good attacking moves. Excellent strength and

movement by Tom Doody allowed him to hold up the ball and feed it through to

Ashley Phillips who burst through from midfield to drill it past the

stationary keeper and make it 2-1 (28 minutes). Dean Humpage started getting into

the game with good attacking moves on the right wing and a good searching

ball from him allowed Tom Doody to win a corner. This was perfectly crossed

in by Jamie Haynes for Ashley Phillips to rise at the back post and head it in to

make it 2-2 (39 minutes). Four minutes from half time a dazzling fast

attacking interplay between Ashley Phillips and John Hodnet was finished off

by Ashley Phillips to give Rangers the lead 2-3.

Second Half

Westport equalised ten minutes into the second half when their number 16

beat both central defenders in the air to the ball. The ball ran forward,

the keeper hesitated and allowed the number 16 to poke it past him for 3-3 (55

minutes). Rangers reclaimed the lead when the keeper failed to hold a strong

shot from Ashley Phillips and Jon Hodnet reacted quickly to pounce on the

loose ball and slot it home for 3-4 (76 minutes). With just five minutes

left to play Sam Wain made sure of the win with a perfect free kick from 35

yards straight over the defence to beat the keeper low at the far post and

make the final score 3-5 to Rangers. (85 minutes)