Patrick ruled out of next two games

Stafford Rangers have ruled out Jon Patrick for the next week with the defender not recovering from a ligament injury as quickly as first hoped.

The left-back has missed the last two games after going off injured at half-time at Blyth Spartans, with Richard Vauls slotting into his place to cover the loss.

That is a state of affairs that is set to continue for the home double header coming up, Saturday's visit of play-off contenders Alfreton followed by the re-arranged game with Redditch on Tuesday night.

Management have pencilled Patrick for the following game at Eastwood on Saturday week, as they continue to nurse the player back to full fitness.

Assistant manager Darren Read said: "John is looking at another week or so, he's responding very well to treatment but as a precaution we have set him that time-frame, because we don't want him breaking down as soon as he comes back.

"He won't be included this weekend, we would be looking more towards the Eastwood game if he continues his rehabilitation."

Saturday's game will mark the first return of former Rangers duo Jake Moult and Ben Mills to Marston Road, who both quit the club this season to join Alfreton.

Their sudden departures left holes in the team but assistant boss Read insists both players will receive a warm welcome from their old colleagues.

He said: "All the boys are looking forward to seeing Jake and Ben, hopefully they will join us in the Social Club afterwards and we can do a little bit more catching up!

"Obviously there are no friends on the pitch, but no-one at the club thinks badly of either lad for leaving us."