Grayson keeps Rangers in Cup
History repeated itself at Marston Road where Neil Grayson kept Stafford Rangers FA Cup flag flying.
History repeated itself at Marston Road where Neil Grayson kept Stafford Rangers FA Cup flag flying.
The veteran bagged Rangers' equaliser against Cambridge United, just as he did in the Blue Square Premier clash between the teams a fortnight ago, to send them both into the hat for the first round proper.
But while that league duel had a missed penalty drama, this final qualifying Cup tie had TWO spot-kicks - and both of them were successful.
In fact, it took the referee less than 30 seconds from the kick off to decide that Rangers kipper Wayne Daniel had pushed Leo Fortune-West in the box, despite vigorous protests.
There was no Scott Loach in goal for Rangers this time and Cambridge's Lee Boylan, the man who missed last time, was left on the bench. Danny Alcock was sent the wrong way by Scott Rendell.
It was an explosive start to what developed into a real blood-and-thunder battle for the £10,000 prize money and the chance of a crack at a league club.
Rangers went on to weather a first half storm and earned their replay through Marco Adaggio's persistence.
Seven minutes into the second half, he shook off Michael Morrison, who then clearly tripped him from behind in the box.
Unfortunately, the penalty came at tremendous personal cost for the teenager, who was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg.
Grayson, head bandaged from a first half wound, kept his focus during the five minute delay before dispatching the penalty.
That completed a remarkable turnaround for Rangers, who were in danger of being swamped by Cambridge's full-timers in the first 20 minutes.
Missing regular full backs Richie Sutton and Fred Murray, Rangers defence, with new signing Luke Potter making his debut and Jemiah Richards again stepping up, had to stand firm against a barrage of corner kicks and crosses from the likes of Stephen Reed and Courtney Pitt.
The second half was a totally different story, even after Adaggio's exit. Nathan Smith replaced him and manager Phil Robinson also took a gamble on a first-time win by introducing David McNiven as a third striker.
It nearly paid off with each of the substitutes getting a sight of goal. McNiven had probably the best chance, which he clipped over the bar from six yards.
But rgsd also had Alcock to thank for keeping them in the Cup.
Despite being dumped as first-choice for league games, he superbly tipped away a certain matchwinner from Rob Wolleaston.
How ironic it would be if the replay is decided on penalties?
Rangers: Alcock, Richards, Daniel, Sangare, Potter, Flynn, Street, Draper (59 McNiven), Oldfield, Grayson, Adaggio (58 N Smith). Subs not used: Mawene, Hopkinson, Youngs.
Cambridge United: McShane, Albrighton, Peters (72 Hoyte), Morrison, Gleeson, Wolleaston, Brown (84 S Smith), Reed, Pitt, Rendell, Fortune-West (72 Boylan). Subs not used: Knights, Hyem.
