Dinning hoping for Rangers start

Stafford Rangers midfielder Tony Dinning is hoping to start at Blyth Spartans as part of a five-man midfield - but refutes that it's a 'defensive formation.'

The veteran former Wolves player helped make the difference in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Stalybridge Celtic, shoring up the middle of the park in a holding role after coming on at half-time and allowing the players in front of him to chase a two goal deficit.

Now Dinning is hoping for first start in two months in a second successive away game on Saturday, but insists his introduction is not a sign Rangers will come for a draw.

He said: "It's not a defensive formation by any means, it ends up a 4-3-3 effectively, there may only be one up front but he is supported by the wingers pushing on either side of him. It's very similar to the way Chelsea played against Arsenal last Sunday, and no-one calls them a defensive team.

"Away from home, you have to try and kill the game and then play at your tempo, and let the hosts come flying at you. If you can keep them quiet for half an hour, the chance will come to play yourself.

"This sort of system is built for that and has a lot of potential."

It may be a 220-mile slog each way to Blyth but it's a homecoming of sorts for Dinning, who was born just up the road in Newcastle.

But the 34-year-old will still be part of the travelling party, and doesn't want to come back on the losing side.

He said: "My mum and dad are coming to the game and then are going to come to visit me in Stafford, so at least I can jump in to their car after the game! My kids are on their school holidays as well, so it's fell nicely in that respect.

"It's a long journey, so anything that can make it easier is much appreciated. But we won't go all that way to lay down. We will be looking for a result, that is for sure."