Stafford manager Steve Bull can finally state his team have had a good start to life back in the Blue Square North as they sit firmly in the play-off places with 10 games played.

A 1-0 win at Gateshead last night puts Rangers fifth with two points to spare, with all of the top 10 level on games played. The focus is now on the FA Cup on Saturday, with Rangers back in league action against Harrogate at Marston Road on Saturday week.

Stafford’s latest three points is their fourth win on the trot, three of those without reply. Even more encouragingly, they have yet to be beaten on the road this season.

Most managers review their side’s start after 10 games – and Bully is pleased with his lot.

He said: “”It is a superb start. The strangest thing is we have dropped points needlessly over those 10 games as well. If we had shown the solidity then that we have shown in recent games, we could be even further up there.

“But we cannot be greedy. We are getting points on the board. We are not making big noises, we are quietly getting on with it and that is what I want. Now we must keep up the good work.

“The hardest thing will be staying in the play-off places. We know where we stand now after 10 games and I do consider this a good start – but we are less than a quarter of the way there.”

Bully is still beaming after the Gateshead game, a finely balanced away trip until Dave McPherson’s first goal for Rangers secured three points.

Suddenly, the 202-mile trip back to Marston Road didn’t seem quite so bad.

He said: “It was a brilliant display. The lads worked ever so hard. They are starting to group together and work together as a team. It was a long way to come and we won with energy to spare. They look very fit.

“The players are now enjoying a well earned rest until Saturday – that was the carrot and I am a man of my word.”