Stafford Rangers star dreaming big as they prepare for FA Cup spotlight

Kyle Sambor’s childhood dreams have come true with Stafford Rangers in the FA Cup - but he is hungry for more.

Rangers host League Two Grimsby Town in the first round proper on Sunday, dreaming of another cup shock as they look to extend their remarkable run.

Having already beaten higher-level opposition in Hereford, Halesowen Town and Gateshead, wide man Sambor is determined to keep the upsets coming.

“It’s been so good. It’s what you wish for as a young lad, to do well in the FA Cup and go and draw the big teams in the latter rounds,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of work, granted, we’ve done well, but we haven’t really done anything yet.

“We’re still hoping to win and win and win. We’re not looking towards losing, really.

“There’s a nice buzz, there’s a nice feel and we are feeling like winning, so hopefully we can continue to do that.”

Stafford knew victory over Gateshead in their fourth qualifying round replay would secure a home tie against Grimsby and a first appearance in the first round proper for 20 years.

Sambor added: “It was a bit of fuel, wasn’t it? We knew we still had the game on the Tuesday, but the draw was on the Monday night.

“I was eligible to play in the replay, because I was banned before, so it was a little bit sweet for me. It felt nice and I was happy to play a part in that game and we did really well in that replay.”

Stafford hammered Gateshead 5-0 in front of a bumper Marston Road crowd to book their place in Sunday’s televised showdown.

Another sell-out is expected, and Sambor is in no doubt about the impact the home support can have.

He said: “The fans have been absolutely outrageous, and you really feel it. When you’re on the pitch, when you’re off the pitch, you can hear that roar.

“It only takes that 12th man and you get a little bit of confidence and you go and push on.”

While Sambor admits the prospect of a second round tie is in the back of the players’ minds, he knows they must first overcome a tough League Two opponent.

“We’re all in the back of our minds thinking that is what we want to do, and who could we get in the second round,” he admitted.

“But before all of that, there’s so much work to do against such a great outfit in League Two.

“It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be the toughest game that we’ve encountered so far, I imagine. So, a lot to do.”