Rangers facing defensive headache

Stafford Rangers are facing a major defensive headache for both the last pre-season game at home to Nantwich and the season opener at Boston United next Saturday.

Right-back Jermaine Johnson is definitely out of tomorrow's friendly at Marston Road and is only rated as 50-50 to make the trip next week, with the hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the last three games.

Andre Francis could take his place but has been struggling himself with a groin strain, but Rangers are hoping he will be passed fit to take Johnson's place for the forseeable future.

Captain Craig McAughtrie will play tomorrow but is suspended for the first two games of the season, leaving a gaping hole in central defence alongside Grant Goodhead for the start of the Blue Square North campaign.

The answer could lie with Gavin Caines, the Kidderminster Harriers defender who was allowed to play for Rangers against Port Vale on Tuesday night to get some match fitness.

Caines is on a full-time contract at Aggborough but is unwanted by Harriers, so could be available on loan if Rangers can stump up a contribution to his wages.

But manager Chris Brindley is refusing to panic just yet with a week to think of something, instead turning his focus to the last task before the season starts against a side one division below their hosts.

He said: "It's a perfect game for us, they are a good side with some players who are probably well capable of getting into our team. They will be certainly be paying as much for their lads as we are for ours, probably more.

"Nantwich had a bad time last season, but are still good enough to finish in the lower regions plus of our league."