WOKING v STAFFORD RANGERS

3.00pm on Saturday 17 March 2007
Nationwide Conference

Stafford Rangers visit the Cards this Saturday. Rangers sit 18th in the league, following Tuesday?s win over Southport.

last season
The 2005/06 season was a memorable one as Stafford Rangers regained Nationwide Conference status. After topping the Nationwide North table for much of the season, the team eventually finished runners-up but gained promotion after a penalty shoot-out victory over Droylsden at Burton Albion?s Pirelli Stadium. Rangers also enjoyed their best FA Trophy run since 1990, progressing to the quarter finals before losing to ourselves in a replay.

the Stafford squad
Notable names in the Rangers squad include the 40-something Neil Grayson, who was last season?s top goal scorer. He is often partnered up front by former Leigh RMI striker David McNiven. Craig McAughtrie (ex-Sheffield United and Carlisle) and skipper Wayne Daniel (ex-Kidderminster) are the regular centre back pairing. They are aided by tricky winger Robin Gibson (over 100 appearances for Wrexham) on the right flank and Craig Lovatt, formerly with Stoke City.

results so far
Stafford had a mixed start to the season. They started off the campaign well, going four unbeaten, including a win away at Crawley and a draw away at Grays. However their form dipped since this spell, and they then failed to win in 9 attempts. This included 4 losses in a row. Last Saturday they lost 2-1 at home to Cambridge United. Striker David McNiven put the home side ahead in the 20th minute, but Cambridge hit back shortly before half time. David Bridges in the 42nd minute, and Christian Smith 2 minutes before the end made sure Rangers ended up with no points. On Tuesday evening David McNiven hit a stunning hat-trick inside 57 minutes to give Rangers a 3-1 win over Conference strugglers Southport.

our recent record against Stafford

2006/07
Stafford Rangers 1 Woking 0

After the euphoria beating Aldershot the previous Monday, it was back down to earth with a bump for Woking following a 1-0 defeat against Stafford. Despite an improved second half performance the Card?s failed to find a way past Rangers? keeper Danny Alcock, and fell to 8th in the league. The only goal of the game arrived in the 8th minute. Goma Lambu was robbed on the right wing, which Guy Madjo took full advantage of, getting in behind the Woking defence and latching on to a Kevin Street pass inside the area. The former Forest Green striker shaped to shoot and chipped the ball over the onrushing Jalal high into the net. Danny Bunce?s cross late in the day worried ?keeper Alcock who tipped it over for a corner, but Woking couldn?t force a break through and the Stafford defence held firm for the victory.

Come on, you Cards!