Rangers lose five-goal thriller

Stafford Rangers 2 Halifax Town 3

Stafford Rangers put on a show for the television cameras at Marston Road last night - but ended up the wrong side of a five-goal thriller.

As well as treating the armchair audience to a gripping see-saw tussle with Halifax, Rangers current shortcomings were also laid painfully bare for the viewers.

For the first time this season, Rangers actually had the lead in a match, thanks to young striker Marco Adaggio and a couple of half time substitutions by manager Phil Robinson.

In the space of two minutes, Rangers turned round a half time deficit.

In the 47th minute, Adaggio sent substitute Kevin Street away down the right and then moved on to volley the midfielder's cross into the net to level it at 1-1.

Before the fans had time to savour that one, Adaggio beat the offside trap down Halifax's vulnerable left flank, took the ball to the byline and delivered a wicked cross.

There was a messy end to such a delightful move as the ball flew into the net off Halifax keeper Craig Mawson, with both Matt Hazley and David McNiven having claims for the goal.

For the first time this season, the scent of a victory was in the air for Rangers and for almost half an hour, it looked like becoming a reality.

Unfortunately, Rangers could not hang on to their lead and were punished twice in the space of five minutes for defensive gaffes.

Despite a majestic performance from Djimi Sangare playing for the first time at the heart of defence, Rangers were found wanting at corner kicks.