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| ROCESTER V STAFFORD RANGERS (11/7/2006) Stafford Rangers opened their pre-season programme on Tuesday 11th July with a short trip to Rocester's Mill Street ground. This has become quite a regular fixture over the past few seasons but this time round there was a difference - Rocester avoided defeat and gained a creditable 1-1 draw, before a crowd of 174. No programme was issued. To reach the ground from the A50 roundabout adjoining McDonalds at Uttoxeter, take the B5030 to Rocester (also signposted for Ashbourne and Alton Towers). After approximately four miles turn right (opposite the JCB factory) over the narrow bridge into Rocester village. At the mini-island turn right into Mill Street and the ground is 500 metres on the left, just past the former cotton mill. There is a large car park, on grass, at the rear of the ground. Entering the ground from this side, all the facilities are to the left with a press/PA box, tea bar, social club, changing rooms and seated stand. Opposite on the Mill Street side, there is a small area of cover containing benches. Rocester have an excellent website http://www.rocesterfc.com/   MATCH REPORT (Written for the local press with a Stafford Rangers bias) Substitute Dave Walker netted a late equaliser to gain a draw at Midland Alliance side Rocester. The goal, scored in the 82nd minute at Mill Street cancelled out a penalty converted by home midfielder Chris Rowley 12 minutes after the restart. Phil Robinson named a strong and familiar starting line-up lacking Danny Edwards and Nathan Smith, both sidelined by injury. The lively Robin Gibson was inches away from giving Boro the lead inside the first minute. He got on the end Neil Grayson’s knockdown and sent a shot flashing past the top-left corner. Never at their best, but then again this was the first outing of the season, Rangers dominated the Romans in the first half and created a number of good chances. Amongst them, Kevin Street was unlucky to see a low shot rebound off a post while Grayson was thwarted by a brave block by keeper Brad Clark. As expected at the interval, Phil Robinson made ten changes and introduced several unfamiliar trailists amongst the likes of Jemiah Richards, goalscorer Walker and Jamie Phoenix. But Boro were stunned when Rocester took the lead in the 57th minute. Richards brought down Kyle Esplin inside the area and Rowley scored from the spot. Robinson replaced Liam Murray, the only survivor from the first half, just past the hour mark and saw his side dominate. They again went close on several occasions - Ed Booth twice headed over while Walker saw a close-range shot pushed on to the bar by Clark. With time running out, good work on the left by Phoenix ended with Walker firing low past Clark from inside the area. Boro finished on the attack with Phoenix going close to netting the winner. Chris Bedford |
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