Express & Star

Race to be Rangers No 1 set to hot up

Stafford Rangers goalkeepers Lee Evans and Bill Lumley have tipped to make the race to be the club's No 1 the hottest spot in the team.

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That is the view of captain Bobby Wilson, who was left hugely impressed by new signing Lumley in his full debut on Saturday at Harrogate.

The 19-year-old only joined Rangers on the morning of the game as a free agent after leaving Grays, but spent last season with the Glenn Hoddle academy in Spain.

An imposing figure at 6ft 5in, the former Wolves academy player led from the back as the team went on to win 4-1, Wilson on the scoresheet with his second goal in three games.

Now the teenage newcomer is set to keep his place for Saturday's FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Midland Alliance side Coventry Spinhx, with Evans still not fully over the ankle injury which has blighted his campaign to just two appearances since a summer move from Chasetown.

But when he does get fit, Wilson believes Rangers have a very welcome battle on their hands.

The skipper said: "It will be interesting to find out, because Bill made such a difference when he made his debut. He looks real quality, he collected a lot of the balls in and that helps you when your outfield - it gives you that piece in mind.

"From what I have seen of him he's a very good player. He can talk, he can kick, he's agile - everything a good goalkeeper needs. And when Lee gets back, he will have someone to really challenge him, although it's looking like he has all the tools to make the No 1 spot his own.

"The guy coming back is going to have to knock Bill off his spot and that is healthy in a team."

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