Express & Star

Ten unbeaten for 10 men of brilliant Boro

Stafford Rangers made it 10 games unbeaten with a 2-0 victory against Spalding United, despite playing the second half with 10 men.

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Strikes by ex-Wolves youngster Nathan Rooney and Peter Till put the Boro into the driving seat before Matthew Wood's 43rd-minute sending-off saw the hosts shut up shop during the second half.

"It just shows our team spirit and work ethic that with 10 men the lads have got the three points and that was tough against a good side," said Rangers manager Neil Kitching.

"We're not going to go the rest of the season without dropping points, but when that happens it's important we stick together as a team, recover and go on our next run after that."

The Tulips – who had won four of their last five coming into the game – were blown away by Rangers, who took the lead on 17 minutes when Rooney smashed his effort from outside the box into the bottom corner.

Despite Josh Moreman going close for the visitors, the Boro doubled their lead on 25 minutes when a slip by Nathan Stainfield allowed Peter Till to run clear out wide, before cutting in and rifling the ball home.

However, on 43 minutes Rangers' luck changed when Wood received his second yellow for illegally stopping winger Josh Moreman breaking clear twice within minutes of each other.

Despite having 10 men Kitching's side stood firm in the second half and limited the Tulips to few chances, their best fell to Stainfield on 89 minutes but he headed into the hands of Adam Whitehouse from close range.

Stafford Rangers: Whitehouse, Griffiths, Wood, Johnson, Daniel, Craddock, Rooney (Melbourne 83), Dacres, Robinson, Haseley (Reid 74), Till. Subs not used: McNaught, Cater, Miles.

Spalding United: Duggan, Walker, Jackson, Spafford, Stainfield, Banister (Sanders 79), Griffiths, Lawlor, Graham, Waumsley (Murphy 45), Moreman (Lockie 84). Subs not used: Humble.

Attendance: 443.

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