Home tie pleases Rangers boss

Stafford Rangers manager Phil Robinson believes his team can clinch an FA Cup first round spot for the fourth time under his reign, even though they have one of the toughest tests at this stage of the competition.

Yesterday's draw paired Rangers with Cambridge United for a final round qualifier on October 27, just a fortnight after the teams drew 1-1 in a Blue Square Premier game at Marston Road.

It's one of only three all-BS Premier clashes, but Robinson is delighted the tie will also be at Marston Road.

Robinson said today: "There are only four harder teams in the whole of the 64. It's a difficult draw, but it's against a team we had a chance of beating only on Saturday.

"It's also at home, which is what we wanted, we've had a good look at the opposition, know their strengths and weaknesses - we're looking forward to it and are confident."

Rangers have another cup test tonight, away at Tamworth in the Staffordshire Senior Cup.

And Robinson plans to take no chances with an injury-hit first team squad in the face of their battle for survival in the Blue Square Premier.

"We showed on Saturday that if we can put out our strongest team we can compete with any team in the division, but with such a small squad it would be a gamble to play too many of them tonight.

"We'll be resting a lot of players from last Saturday - the priority is to keep them fit for this Saturday at Crawley."