Rangers ready for derby
Stafford Rangers' new-look line-up will get a baptism of fire at Marston Road in tonight's local derby with Kidderminster. Stafford Rangers' new-look line-up will get a baptism of fire at Marston Road in tonight's local derby with Kidderminster. A big crowd is expected to raise the temperature as both teams search for their first points of the season after disappointing starts. But Rangers fans will be hoping that striker David McNiven can match his last Marston Road appearance when he blasted a hat-trick while on loan with the club. McNiven was one of eight new signings either in the team or on the bench for Saturday's opener at Farsley that ended in a 1-0 defeat. Manager Phil Robinson was still smarting over the penalty miss that cost them the game, but said: "There have been some major changes to the squad - it may take a few games for us to gel and get the balance right. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
A big crowd is expected to raise the temperature as both teams search for their first points of the season after disappointing starts.
But Rangers fans will be hoping that striker David McNiven can match his last Marston Road appearance when he blasted a hat-trick while on loan with the club.
McNiven was one of eight new signings either in the team or on the bench for Saturday's opener at Farsley that ended in a 1-0 defeat.
Manager Phil Robinson was still smarting over the penalty miss that cost them the game, but said: "There have been some major changes to the squad - it may take a few games for us to gel and get the balance right.
"Even so, we created a good number of chances and if we had put the penalty away, I am sure we would have gone on to win the game.
"Tonight we know we are in for a tough game, Kidderminster have looked very strong through the pre-season.
"It's a big game, a local derby and one that we are looking forward to.
"If we play to the best of our ability, we can get a positive result," said Robinson.
Defender Wayne Daniel is nursing a nasty shin injury from the tackle which got Farsley's James Knowles sent off and midfielder Kevin Street is also slightly hampered by a calf strain, but both should come through fitness checks to feature tonight.
Rangers are expecting a crowd of around 1,500 and safety officials have ordered that home and away supporters are segregated for ALL Blue Square Premier games at Marston Road this season.
Rangers (from): Alcock, Sutton, Daniel, McAughtrie, Sangare, Stones, Flynn, Street, Arnolin, Olaoye, McNiven, Grayson, Adaggio, Manak, Ingram, Wood, Richards, Draper, Robinson, Oldfield, Hopkinson.
Kidderminster boss Mark Yates has urged his side to keep believing tonight. Harriers began their campaign by going down 2-1 at home to Aldershot while Stafford were beaten at Farsley Celtic.
But Yates is determined to keep spirits up at Aggborough and has made it clear to his players that nothing has been won or lost on the back of Saturday's reverse.
"It's a great game for us to try and bounce back," said Yates.
"We have got to go there still believing and go out there to do the right things."
