Rangers defensive hunt goes on

Stafford Rangers' search for defensive reinforcement looks like it will have to wait until after the team have played at Stalybridge Celtic.

The club have been on the hunt for a right-sided defender all week after Curtley Williams decided to leave Marston Road and play in Spain, although they still have until the morning tomorrow's game to register players.

Andre Francis looks set to again fill the breach at the Bower Fold, as he did against Southport, with Fabrice Kassiama further up the flank. Veteran midfielder Tony Dinning is also pushing for a recall, and could be used if manager Chris Brindley opts for a five-man midfield away from home.

Rangers face a Celtic side still settling into life under new manager Benny Phillips, who was promoted from assistant after Brindley's close friend Steve Burr left to take charge at Kidderminster Harriers two weeks ago.

But assistant boss Darren Read warns that the home side will still be a dangerous beast in Greater Manchester.

He said: "It's a Catch 22 situation really, Stalybridge are just getting into their new regime with a new manager, but if we continue to put in the sort of performances that we have since the turn of the year then we won't be far away.

"Each week we are getting further and further away from the relegation places, that is a significant boost for us and the attitude we have to maintain.

"It's no easy game down there, even without Steve they are a good footballing team and we have always had a good test against them. They are not chasing the play-offs for nothing and all of the players are still there.

"We have got to make sure that we are prepared, switched on and ready for battle."