Express & Star

Levi Reid hails Niall Maguire impact

Levi Reid has paid tribute to midfield partner Niall Maguire after the pair struck to earn Stafford Rangers a point at relegation rivals Gainsborough Trinity.

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Levi Reid has paid tribute to midfield partner Niall Maguire after the pair struck to earn Stafford Rangers a point at relegation rivals Gainsborough Trinity.

Maguire's first goal for the club put Rangers ahead in Saturday's game but the home side turned the tables by coming from behind to lead, before Reid's equaliser ensured a share of the spoils.

Andre Francis failing to recover from a jarred right knee let in Maguire for a recall, after the former Stone Dominoes captain was dropped for Reid in the previous Blue Square North game against Redditch.

Francis was joined by Ashley Wooliscroft and Fabrice Kasiama on the injury list but new signings Craig Reid and Luke Keen made their Rangers debuts, Reid at left-back and Keen as a late substitute up front after signing from Rugby Town.

But it was the form of Maguire that will particularly please manager Matt Elliott, according to Reid.

He said: "I thought Niall had a good game, I have said all along that he looks good in training and the other lads will tell you the same.

"Craig also did well, he looked comfortable on the ball and slotted into the team."

Rangers and Gainsborough continue to slug it out at the bottom of the Blue Square North, with Elliott's men in the last relegation spot while Brian Little's side are six points ahead in 18th.

But Reid believes that Trinity are by no means safe and could be embroiled in the relegation dogfight for some time to come.

He said: "The gaffer was tellng us after the game that their run-in is tougher than ours, they have got the top sides in their last five games who will play needing points to get promoted.

"We go into every game looking to win but, if that doesn't happen, we have to make sure we don't lose.

"I fancy us to stay up, because we are bound to go on a run at some stage."

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