Rangers 1 Cambridge Utd 1

Keeper Scott Loach was the hero of the hour as Stafford Rangers defied the odds to claim a precious Blue Square Premier point against high flyers Cambridge.

The young on-loan keeper capped a super show with a great second-half penalty save, ensuring Phil Robinson's troops at last got some reward for their efforts.

Loach also made three top-class first half stops to earn the sponsors' Man of the Match award.

After such heroics, there was no way his team mates could let him down, and they didn't, especially veteran Neil Grayson, who cashed in on a first-half gaffe from the U's defence to level the scores.

In fact, Rangers were just an inch away from registering their first home win of the season.

Chris Flynn saw his late shot hit the inside of a post, then hit Cambridge keeper Danny Potter's backside, finally to be cleared off the line.

And in the dying moments, comeback kid Nathan Smith headed into the side netting from Flynn's free kick.

Rangers had to stage a rearguard action for much of the match, but they stuck to their task with commitment.

The only time Rangers let their concentration slip, they were punished for it as Courtney Pitt was allowed to roam the penalty area in the 13th minute before beating Loach.

Just 15 minutes later Cambridge defender Dan Gleeson tried to be too clever in dealing with Flynn's centre and a header meant for his keeper was pounced on by Grayson for his second goal of the campaign.

Loach distinguished himself with saves from Rob Wolleaston, then Steve Smith's free kick before tipping a thunderbolt by Wolleaston over the bar.

Rangers had their moments too as Wolleaston cleared Wayne Daniel's header off the line.

Cambridge were awarded a controversial 62nd minute penalty, possibly for Fred Murray's alleged handball.

What's not in dispute is Loach's marvellous diving save from Lee Boylan's spot kick.

The striker was hauled off minutes later. Rangers went on to give Cambridge a mighty fright.

Murray's game ended on a sour note with concussion from a clash of heads and then a booking for dissent.

It was the defender's sixth of the season and he already faces a one-match ban.

Rangers: Loach, Sutton, Daniel, Avinel, Sangare, Murray, Flynn, Oldfield (N Smith 79), Draper,, Grayson, Adaggio. Subs Not Used: Alcock, Richards, Hamilton, Youngs.

Cambridge Utd: Potter, Peters, Albrighton, Morrison, Gleeson, Convery (S Smith 23), Wolleaston, Quinton, Pitt, Rendell (Fortune-West 73), Boylan (Robinson 68). Subs not used: Hoyte, Hyem.

Referee: P Tierney (Wigan).

Attendance: 741.