Rangers boss calls for passion

Stafford Rangers manager Phil Robinson has called for 'passion and desire' from his players to get their out of their Blue Square Premier mess.

Robinson was once again a helpless spectator as his team handed goals - and points - to the opposition at Marston Road.

New signing Cedric Avinel, who has joined on loan from Watford for a month, made his debut, but the 21 year old Frenchman was unable to save Rangers.

Their 2-0 defeat by Grays was the eighth in nine league games, leaving them with only goal difference to separate them from bottom club Northwich.

More worringly, an ominous gap is beginning to open up between the bottom five and the rest of the league.

"A win would make a lot of difference, but at times like this, players have to play with some passion and desire to get out of the situation," said the Rangers boss.

"That is what we are asking of them and it is up to them to put it into action.

"We were hoping there might be a little more desire from certain players, particularly in that second half, but because of the manner we gave the goals away, it put us under pressure.

"We have shot ourselves in both feet - again, conceding from a set piece when no-one touches it.

"There are things we have been working on all week, like concentrating just before half time, but the players let themselves down again and it is another mountain to climb.

"Even within that second half we created enough chances to have got back in the game.

"We got some good crosses into the box and had some good opportunities to score, but didn't make the most of them.

"I am desperately trying to change things around, but I have to get players out before I can get them in."

Tomorrow night, Rangers travel to newly promoted Salisbury, where the Wiltshire club have yet to lose a match this season.