Rangers in key relegation clash

Struggling Stafford Rangers put their credibility on the line in tomorrow's crucial Blue Square Premier relegation battle at Droylsden.

It is Rangers first meeting with the Bloods since the dramatic promotion play-off final 18 months ago – and almost as important.

Both teams are in desperate need of the points, both reeling from recent bad results – and Droylsden have a clutch of former Rangers players hoping to prove a point.

But Rangers manager Phil Robinson says they have used a two-week break from match action to launch a revival.

"We've been working hard trying to improve. We've watched the video of the Exeter game, highlighted a few things we can improve on and highlighted a few things we did well.

"We know this is a big game, although it is not a 'must win' one at this stage of the season. It's one my players really want to win and to try and put right the defeat against Exeter."

Robinson's team plans though have been hampered by the suspensions of skipper Wayne Daniel and midfielder Ross Draper, who are both serving one match bans.

"When you lose your skipper and the bedrock of your defence for such an important game, it is a big loss for the team, but we'll just have to readjust," said Robinson.

"There is a chance that Richard Sutton could be available, but Jemiah Richards and Nathan Smith are both doubts and Dave Oldfield is still struggling with a hamstring."

Droylsden have four former Marston Road men in their squad – Alex Gibson, Liam Murray, Ged Murphy and Robin Gibson, who was the only one of the quartet to play against the Bloods in the promotion final.

Robinson says that game is now water under the bridge.

"A lot of time has gone by since then, both clubs have moved on. This will be a different kind of game," he said.

Rangers (from): Alcock, Loach, Murray, Richards, Flynn, Grayson, Ingram, Hopkinson, Robinson, Youngs, Mawene, Potter, McNiven, Smith, Humphreys, Sutton, Oldfield.