Video: Stafford Rangers 2 Newcastle 1

Stafford Rangers battled in tough conditions to beat neighbours Newcastle Town and restore their 17-point gap at the top of Evo-Stik Division One South.

The Boro came from behind with goals from captain Christian Dacres and marksman Ben Haseley before holding on to their advantage.

Rangers manager Neil Kitching said: "It was a difficult afternoon playing against good opposition and the conditions with a really heavy pitch.

"In the second-half, with the conditions against us, we were far better than we've ever been. The goal to win it was one of a far higher standard of football."

Despite being underdogs, Newcastle started well and should have taken the lead on 14 minutes but Thomas France ballooned his close-range shot over.

They were nearly punished straight after when Haseley was tripped in the box, but Peter Till's poorly-hit penalty was easily saved.

The visitors took the lead on 33 minutes from the boot of captain Tim Sanders, who hit a 30-yard screamer which flew past Adam Whitehouse in the Rangers goal.

On the stroke of half-time, Kitching's side drew level through a Dacres header, as he towered above his marker to latch onto a Till cross.

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Rangers continued to probe at the visitors in the second-half and got their reward with the winning goal on 63 minutes.

It saw a passing move resulting in Haseley slotting the winner under goalkeeper David Parton from close range.

Despite a long ball catching Dacres out – he glanced a header onto his own bar – Rangers held out for victory.