Rangers defeated again

Stafford Rangers remain at the foot of the table after another encouraging performance went unrewarded.

They were unable to prevent Torquay regaining top spot, which they temporarily lost on Friday night, with goals in each half from Chris Todd and Elliot Benyon.

Stafford had the first attempt on target when Marco Adaggio sent a right-foot shot towards goal from 20 yards and Simon Rayner needed to dive to his right to make a save.

The visitors continued to create early chances.

Greg Stones saw one shot from the left deflected out for a corner and Kevin Street saw the same happen to another effort from the opposite side of the area.

Unbeaten Torquay started to enjoy plenty of possession with Matt Hockley volleying over.

Chris Hargreaves also drove over the Rangers bar. Rangers were thankful to a brave saving tackle inside the area to prevent Tom Sills from getting in a clear shot on goal.

David McNiven got into a good position only to see his shot blocked by a defender.

Stafford deserved to go in level at the interval but couldn't stop the home side from taking a 44th-minute lead.

Duggan pulled off a five save to keep out a well-struck shot from Sills.

Kevin Nicholson delivered the resulting corner to the far post where Todd headed home.

Chris Zebroski should have doubled his side's lead either side of half-time.

He headed over moments before the whistle and fired straight at Duggan less than 30 seconds after the restart.

The visitors remained in contention for most of the second half but found scoring opportunities difficult to come by.

Torquay put the outcome beyond doubt in the 81st minute.

Nicholson crossed from the left where Phillips chested the ball down.

It fell to substitute Benyon who turned and fired low past Duggan.