Goalkeeper Scott Loach gave managerless Stafford Rangers a magnificent leaving present – a clean sheet and a precious point in the basement battle with Northwich.

Loach returns to Watford with the cheers of the Rangers fans still ringing in his ears after a trio of fantastic saves to keep the Vics at bay.

But if that sounds like Rangers were second best in this crucial clash, nothing could be further from the truth. 

In fact, only the inside of a post and two equally remarkable saves from the visitors keeper prevented Rangers recording what would have been their first home victory of the season.

David McNiven was desperately unfortunate to see his carefully guided 63rd minute effort clip the inside of a post, roll along the line and into the arms of Scott Tynan.

And veteran Neil Grayson, put in caretaker charge alongside Kevin Street, would have had a winning managerial debut had Tynan not got a hand to two first-half efforts and a third near the finish.

Goalmouth action made it a tingling and nerve wracking match for the fans, however between the two penalty areas, the standard of football did leave a little to be desired.

Both clubs are part-timers, struggling in a highly competitive full-time league and it showed. But both teams also showed they are not prepared to go down without a fight.

Ross Draper and Chris Flynn put the bite into Rangers midfield and skipper Wayne Daniel held firm at the back, especially after the loss of Jimi Sangare through injury at half time. Replacement Jemiah Richards did not let the team down either.

When Nat Kerr did get a shooting opportunity moments before the break, Loach was up to the task and the young keeper denied Lee Steele and Adam Morning in the second half.

Joint caretaker boss Kevin Street, who was injured, urged his team on from the sidelines and after Grayson had seen his stinging shot tipped over by Tynan, Chris Humphrey had the chance to make himself a hero in his final match on loan. But having done the hard work of powering his way into the box with only minutes les, his shot flew over the bar.