Outlook good for Rangers trip

Gainsborough Trinity face a race against time to get their ground ready for the visit of Stafford Rangers on Saturday - but are hopeful the game will go ahead.

Further snow fall in the country this week has led to further doubts that the non-league schedule will resume as hoped this weekend, but ground staff at the Northolme reported a bright outlook yesterday.

Like Rangers, Trinity have been out of action since Boxing Day because of the elements and have seen four home games called off during that period.

It looks like their luck may be changing for the better but Gainsborough's former Wolves, Albion and Villa boss Brian Little is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "We want to play on Saturday, but we are in the lap of the gods to be honest."

Little is back managing in non-league football for the first time in nearly 20 years, since leading Darlington into the Football League in 1990.

But, since taking charge in September, Trinity have struggled and are only out of the relegation places on goal difference.

A win on Saturday could see them pull level with Rangers on points in the relegation fight, but Little will be hoping both teams survive in the Blue Square North this season.

The 56-year-old lives just a short distance from the Marston Road ground in Stafford but, through his commitments, is an infrequent visitor to the club.

He said: "I have lived in Stafford for about six years now, I actually live right around the corner from the ground. Me and my family are very settled in the town.

"I don't get round to see Rangers very much with my job, but I am quite happy with how we are going at Gainsborough."