‘Back on the map’ - Stafford Rangers boss’ pride after FA Cup exit

Graham Deakin spoke of his immense pride despite the heartbreak of seeing his Stafford Rangers’ remarkable FA Cup run come to an end.

Rangers were beaten 3-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw with League Two Grimsby Town in front of a sell-out Marston Road crowd, with the tie televised live around the world.

Having surrendered a two-goal lead, Stafford were pegged back again in extra time before suffering a gutting shoot-out defeat, ending a journey which began in the extra preliminary round.

Boss Deakin said: “There’s mixed emotions. I am so proud of the group and what they have done, they have just gone toe-to-toe with a League Two side.

“But then there is the disappointment of losing on penalties. It is the best way to win and the worst way to lose. I am gutted, but so, so proud of the group.

“There’s a lot of disappointed lads in the dressing room, but I have had to remind them how many smiles they have put on peoples faces during this cup run.

“It has to be the start, and hopefully the springboard to go on and win the league.”

Darrhyl Mason and Jack Birch fired Rangers into a stunning two-goal half-time lead, putting them within touching distance of the second round. But Grimsby hit back with two goals in quick succession after the break.

Mason, a firefighter by day, then struck again dramatically in extra time, only for the visitors to level once more.

“The biggest disappointment is that the goals they have scored have come from set-pieces,” Deakin added.

“They haven’t carved us open. They put five past York City last week, they are a fantastic side. But they haven’t done that to us, we defended really well and just switched off from three set pieces.”

The club will bank a £50,000 broadcast fee, more than £15,000 in prize money for losing in the first round proper, as well as additional income from gate receipts and matchday sales.

After several difficult years, including relegation and subsequent battles for survival, Deakin believes a sleeping giant is stirring once more.

“We have put ourselves firmly back on the map,” he said.

“The media coverage, the TV being here, we haven’t just represented ourselves really well in front of 3,000 fans, it is millions who have watched the game.

“The lads deserve massive credit for that, Stafford has been crying out for it. You have seen how many people were here today, how many people are in the pubs around the town. Let’s use it as a springboard to get a promotion.”