Repeat the Telford factor Rangers
Friday 27th March 2009, 8:30AM GMT.
Stafford manager Chris Brindley has urged his side to recreate the Telford factor when they go to Blue Square North heavyweights Southport tomorrow (3pm).
Rangers head to Haig Avenue to face the third-placed title chasers as the underdogs and the corresponding fixture in August gives little cause for optimism – former Marston Road boss Steve Bull hailed the Merseysiders as the best team in the league after a 3-0 defeat.
Now Brindley leads the side into battle with both teams in dire need of the points.
Rangers sit six points outside of the relegation places without a win in their last seven games, while Liam Watson’s side trail Tamworth and league leaders Gateshead by six points.
But the last time the visitors faced this sort of adversity was the famed trip to AFC Telford on New Years Day – and they shocked the league by emerging with a 1-0 win.
Brindley said: “We need to go to Southport and recreate a Telford sort of result if we are to take anything from the game. The next four games are as hard as they come, and if we end that sequence with nothing we will be in real trouble.
“Our luck will turn if the team keep playing alright. We have got every chance.”
Rangers will welcome back defender Nick Amos to the starting line-up after his return from injury as a sub against Alfreton in midweek, with Stuart Pierpoint likely to move back into midfield to make way.
For a defence shorn of Amos for most of the season with knee problems, Brindley hopes he can make a difference.
The manager said: “Nick will start the game on Saturday. Stuart has been covering for him but he is more of a midfielder anyway, so this is the chance to move him back into the centre of the park, where he is equally needed.
“Just to have Nick back is a boost for us. With the position we are in and the resources we have we need all the players we have got.
“We will have a look at it for Southport, see who is in contention so we can pick a side with a view to going down there and get a result.”
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