Mutch to gain for Rangers

Brindley and Mutch were at Molineux together from 1986 to 1998, when Mutch was forming a deadly strike duo with Steve Bull and Brindley was an uncompromising central defender in the squad.

Now they meet as managers in the Blue Square North for the first time, with Brindley in charge of Rangers and Mutch in charge of the struggling Linnets.

Both teams could be sporting a bit of rust, with the weather ruling Rangers out of action since the epic win at Telford on New Years Day. Burscough have even more reason to complain - they last played on Boxing Day.

But the forecast is good for Mutch and Brindley to cross swords come kick off. The Stafford boss is looking forward to seeing his friend.

He said: "I've known 'Mutchy' for a good time and he is a good lad. I know him well and spoke to him recently. He has gone to Burscough when they were struggling and has done well. They will be tough to beat.

"They will not be coming down here to lose and will make it hard for us, so we have to be ready for that."

Although both teams appear to be resigned to struggle this season, 12 points divide the two, with Rangers in the relative safety of 12th while Burscough occupy the last relegation spot.

Brindley has long stated that points on the board and mathematical safety are his first goals for the season, so a home match with a struggling side presents a viable opportunity.

Home form has been a source of much frustration for the Marston Road faithful, with the team managing just two home wins in the league all season.

You have to go all the way back to September 13 for their last Blue Square North win on home soil, a 1-0 win over basement boys Blyth Spartans.

Brindley knows that sort of form has to change.

He said: "If we are to do well in the second half of the season, our home form has got to improve. It is a big game and we have got to put a bit of distance between us and them, because they are in the relegation places.

"We just want to improve and this is a game we want to win."