Bully happy with new Rangers signing

Stafford Rangers' new signing Nick Wellecomme got a vote of confidence from manager Steve Bull after his debut on Saturday against Torquay.

The former Brocton and Newcastle Town striker was expected to lead the attack again in this afternoon's Blue Square Premier relegation battle at Altrincham.

But following an injury to veteran Neil Grayson, his partner was likely to be on-loan Wolves youngster, Liam Hughes.

Wellecomme was denied what would have been an equalising goal by Torquay keeper Simon Rayner in the 89th minute of Saturday's match, which the Gulls went on to clinch in injury time.

But Rangers were also denied what looked like a clearcut penalty just beforehand when Sami Mawene was brought down.

"We should have had a penalty – Sami said he was about to pull the trigger when he felt somebody bring him down from behind," said Bull.

"And Nick played well – you can see he has a footballing brain. We just have to get him paired up with the right man.

"I thought Nick and Neil would be superb together, but Neil got a knee in the back and he had to come off."

"This was probably the best performance since I've been here.

"I know it was windy out there, but we played some good football at times and we were unlucky not to come out of it with a point. It's given me a lot of encouragement," he said.

On Friday Wellecomme became Bull's first permanent signing since taking over the reins at Marston Road, having impressed the former Wolves marksman in training.

The young striker was top scorer with 21 goals for Newcastle Town, league leaders in the Vodkat, formerly North West Counties, first division.

On Saturday Rangers are back at Marston Road, where they face a tough task against promotion chasing Aldershot, who are battling for the one automatic spot.