Express & Star

Video: Stafford Rangers 3 Tividale 0

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Stafford Rangers preserved their lead at the top of the Evo-Stik First Division South with a 3-0 win against Tividale.

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This top vs bottom clash at Marston Road ended up as many would have expected.

But the visitors had their moments in a game which players had to contend with fierce winds and heavy rain.

The Boro remain 10 points ahead of second-placed Shaw Lane Aquaforce, who beat Loughborough Dynamo 2-1 and have three games in hand.

There were plenty of chances for both sides in the first 30 minutes, and the home side had the ball in the net after just seven.

Christian Dacres' strike was void though as referee Edward Pidduck had already blew for a foul by Ben Haseley on Tividale goalkeeper Thomas Turner.

The heavy wind was playing a big part, causing Boro defender Matt Wood to fail to control a speculative ball over the top.

Christopher Sterling pounced but took to much time, and Wood atoned for his error with a last ditch tackle.

The hosts were the next to have a big chance. Levi Reid hit a remarkable cross from the right-hand side, which was met by the head of Josh Craddock, but Turner pulled off a fine reaction save.

Just after the half-hour mark though, Stafford took the lead.

Reid hit another cross into the area and skipper Dacres headed the ball past Turner into the far corner - his 14th goal of the campaign.

With the goal, the Boro grew in confidence and doubled their advantage less than five minutes later.

Josh Craddock's wonderful effort from the edge of the 18-yard box flew into the top corner to the delight of the 676 fans in attendance.

O the stroke of half-time stopper Ryan Price, who had replaced Adam Whitehouse in the starting line-up, saw his wind-assisted kick fly just past his opposite number's post.

Stafford were 2-0 up at the interval, but could have conceded early in the second period.

Jermaine Johnson's attempted clearance fell to Tividale's Alexander Fletcher, but his shot didn't trouble price.

Ryan Wynter - a menace throughout - found himself clean through on 52 minutes, after a flick on by Haseley, but his low drive was saved by Turner.

He should have scored, and he knew it, but fellow forward George Cater put the game to bed with a clinical finish to make it 3-0, just after the hour mark.

Before the goal, Reid, who did not put a foot wrong otherwise, was booked for the ninth team this season following a challenge on Tivi winger Christopher Rabone.

There was hint of nervousness in Stafford's play in the first period, but in the second they were much more assured - despite a huge downpour of rain.

Tividale substitute Matthew Jukes could have got a consolation late on, but his glancing header sailed past the far post.

All-in-all though, a comfortable win for Stafford ahead of the clash with Chasetown at the Scholars Ground on Monday.