Rangers wrap up a double signing
Stafford Rangers completed a double swoop as they tried to step up their relegation fight – but then slipped to defeat at Alfreton.
Hours before the non-league transfer deadline, manager Chris Brindley moved to sign Tony Onokah and Jon Patrick.
Striker Onokah joins from Chasetown after seeing his chances restricted at the Scholars Ground, while versatile defender Patrick has moved to Marston Road after his release from Walsall.
Former Wednesfield hitman Onokah joined Chasetown last year and scored on his debut in a pre-season friendly against Cardiff City, but a succession of injuries have led to a frustrating campaign.
Left-back Patrick had signed a one-year deal with the Saddlers in 2008 but becomes one of the first players to leave the Banks's Stadium ahead of a busy summer for manager Chris Hutchings.
The duo made their debuts in last night's 2-0 defeat at play-off chasing Alfreton to compound their new side's relegation worries.
The loss left Rangers, who haven't won since beating Hyde in February, five points off the Blue Square North drop zone.
Onokah started, but couldn't find the breakthrough and was replaced by Patrick with eight minutes remaining.
Rangers are now desperate for a win as they enter the final stages of a season which has seen them thrown into financial crisis.
Brindley's men host second placed Gateshead on Saturday as they try to steer themselves away from danger.
