Stafford Rangers midfielder Jake Moult has backed new striker Ben Mills to follow his example and successfully make the step up to the Blue Square North.

The two played together at Leek and were reunited this summer when the young forward came to Marston Road, after a six-month pursuit of the player by manager Chris Brindley.

Now Mills will have to follow his long-time friend’s lead and make the step up from the UniBond League Division One to non-league’s second tier, some two levels up.

But former Port Vale and Plymouth prospect Moult managed it in 2008/09 after signing last October, going on to become a vital cog in the Rangers midfield.

Now he has backed his long-time friend to have a similar impact.

He said: “I played with Ben at Leek, but I have known him for years anyway. He is young, but he has all the tools to be a real success in the Blue Square North. It’s a big step up, as I know, but I know he can do it.

“Hopefully he will take each game as it comes and not feel the pressure so much, because it’s a big ask for a young guy.

“I think he made the right decision coming here in the summer rather than January, he has had all pre-season to settle in and that will do him a lot of good.

“With him and Nick Wellecomme up front, two big front-men, it’s a partnership with potential.”