Dinning's blast for under-par Rangers

Stafford Rangers midfielder Tony Dinning has tore into his team-mates after labelling Saturday's home defeat to Ilkeston as "embarrassing."

The Marston Road men went down to a one-goal loss despite playing against 10 men for 69 minutes of the game, after visiting striker Gary Ricketts picked up a second booking, falling to Jimmy Ghaichem's strike before half-time.

It was a result that left Rangers without a win in nine Blue Square North games and it won't get any easier this Saturday, when league leaders Fleetwood are the visitors.

And Dinning, who missed a penalty with four minutes to go, has demanded a response.

He said: "It just about summed our day up because, to be honest with you, we were awful. It was ridiculous, we played against 10 men for over an hour and created two chances. We didn't seem interested in getting the ball down to play football, and anybody can hoof a ball upfield.

"The gaffer didn't say a lot after the game, he didn't have to, as we were embarrassed enough ourselves. The players need to take a bit more responsibility, and step forward to show the gumption needed to get out of this situation. We have got top of the league coming next week and it wouldn't surprise me if we got a result.

"But it's consistency, and we missed a real opportunity on Saturday."

Dinning's penalty miss on Saturday, given for handball in the box, was the first one missed by the veteran for Rangers after smashing home his maiden spot-kick against Alfreton last month.

But the former Wolves player is unmoved by the prospect of stepping up again.

He said: "It will play on my mind for a bit, but I will quite happily take the next one. Everyone misses the odd penalty, Wayne Rooney missed one for Manchester United against Liverpool yesterday and scored the rebound, so I bet he will still take the next one.

"If someone wants to take one that is fine, but I am ready to carry on if needed."