Stafford Rangers manager Chris Brindley admits that his side could struggle to penetrate the Fortress of Fleetwood.

The Marston Road men head to the Highbury Stadium tomorrow to face a team unbeaten at home in the Blue Square North this season, and sit third in the table.

Led by former Albion midfielder Micky Mellon, the big-spending Lancashire club boast the likes of former Villa left-back Alan Wright and former Blackpool defender John Hills in their ranks.

But the Cod Army have yet to come across Rangers this season, although Brindley has admired their progress from afar.

And, as the manager prepares his side for the trip, the size of the task in hand is apparent.

He said: “Fleetwood away – they don’t come much harder than that. I think they are still favourites or second favourites to win the league, so it’s a tough test.

“All we can do is have a good go at them, which we can do with confidence because we have played well in the last two games.”

Rangers are unbeaten in two games but face a tough festive sequence of three games in six days after the Fleetwood trip.

The long-awaited derby double header with local rivals AFC Telford starts at the New Bucks Head on Boxing Day, followed by the return game at Marston Road on New Years Day.

A home game with relegation rivals Redditch is sandwiched in on the Bank Holiday Monday of December 28.

Brindley said: “As ever, it’s a vital run, with a lot of games and a lot of points to play for over a short period of time.

“It’s tough on the team, but with some good results it would all be worth it.”

Rangers will be without midfielder Tony Dinning, who suffered a back injury in a minor car accident, and right-back Ashley Wooliscroft, who is on loan from Fleetwood and not permitted to play.

Captain Bobby Wilson returns after a one-match ban, while Andre Francis could fill the full-back spot.