Captain’s call for consistency as Stafford Rangers look to bounce back in FA Trophy
Stafford Rangers skipper Jimmy O’Neill has urged his side to find consistency as they aim to progress in the FA Trophy tomorrow.
The Rangers have had a mixed start to the new campaign, recording four wins and four losses in the Northern One West. Assistant manager Nick Amos said the players failed to meet “expectations“ in last weekend’s defeat to Atherton Collieries.
Visiting Sporting Club Inkberrow in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy, captain O’Neill is hopeful that Stafford can bounce back quickly.
“We have been too inconsistent,” he said. “We either win or lose, and that has to change.
“If we are not going to win a game, then we want to definitely not lose it and get something from it.
“There has been a lot of frustration about some of the performances, and I get that, but this time last year, it was a completely different story and we were a lot worse off.
“As a squad, we are a lot more advanced than last year. We can do a lot more as a team. It is just about finding that level of consistency. Some games you could be there for 90 minutes plus and not score, but if we can’t, then we need to not concede.
“I have never had a good cup run personally, but it would be great to have one. You take last week’s performance out and look at recently, I think we are more than capable of advancing.
“The FA Trophy final is played at Wembley, it is a good competition to play in and a chance to gain a bit of form which we can take into the league.”
Elsewhere, league rivals Sporting Khalsa visit Mossley for their first league game in almost a month, having been involved in FA Cup and FA Trophy action throughout September so far.
Their FA Cup tie with Hereford last weekend was abandoned after Khalsa goalkeeper Ravan Constable was subjected to racist abuse.
Meanwhile, Darlaston Town host Vauxhall Motors looking to end a winless run of three league matches. Darlaston sit 15th with seven points from their opening six matches.
Chasetown are aiming for back-to-back league victories as they travel to basement boys Trafford. The Scholars are looking to bounce back from defeat on penalties in the FA Cup midweek.
In the Northern One Midlands, Lichfield City entertain Rugby Town hoping to return to winning ways and continue their strong start to life at step four non-league football. Ivor Green’s side sit seventh with 11 points after their opening seven matches.
