Rangers clinch double signing

Stafford Rangers' FA Cup hopes have been given a shot in the arm with two new signings ahead of tomorrow's clash with Cambridge at Marston Road.

Former Millwall midfielder Sammy Mawene has penned a permanent deal with the Blue Square Premier club.

And Championship promotion chasers Barnsley have been persuaded to release teenage defender Luke Potter for Cup duties.

Both free agent Mawene, 23, who has also played for Preston and Bury, and Potter are pitched straight into manager Phil Robinson squad for a £10,000 prize shoot-out against Cambridge tomorrow.

Cheltenham, however, have refused permission for loanee keeper Will Puddy to play in the Cup.

But Robinson is backing former first choice Danny Alcock to step in and do his duty."We knew that Will would not be available for Cup duty. Danny has had some excellent performances for us in the past.

"He's trained well all week and we're confident he will step in and do a great job for us," said Robinson.

"Both Sammy and Luke are welcome additions to the squad. With the Cup coming up, clubs were reluctant to let players out.

"As it is, we'll be without Richie Sutton and David McNiven.

"Wayne Daniel hasn't trained all week and there is a possibility we could be without Fred Murray, who has been taken poorly."

Robinson will be aiming to make it to the first round proper for the fourth time during his six years in charge of Rangers.

The prize money for winners in the final qualifying round this year is £10,000.

Cambridge were at Marston Road just a fortnight ago for a Blue Square Premier match which ended 1-1.

The Rangers boss said: "We have a realistic chance of going through if we can put out the team we hope to.

"We showed a fortnight ago that we have the capability of getting the better of them."

Rangers (from): Alcock, Daniel, Murray, Flynn, Arnolin, Draper, Grayson, Adaggio, Ingram, Hopkinson, Oldfield, Robinson, Youngs, Mawene, Potter