Rangers get all-league FA Cup tie

Stafford Rangers have been drawn away at Blue Square North rivals Eastwood in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Chris Brindley's side will go to Coronation Park for the tie against the Nottinghamshire club on Saturday week, to face a side who finished six places above them last season.

Rangers have failed to get past the second qualifying round in each of their last two attempts since coming down from the Blue Square Premier, twice losing to Midland Alliance opposition, at Coalville in 2008/09 and at home to Coventry Sphinx last season.

The Marston Road club also failed to get past the first hurdle as a non-league top flight club in 2007, losing to Cambridge after a replay.

But Rangers made it all the way to the second round proper in 2006, before bowing out to Football League club Brighton.

Winger Levi Reid is one of only two players at the club from that day, the other being captain Craig McAughtrie, and believes that despite being drawn away at a league rivals the team can still be hopeful of getting through.

He said: "Playing Eastwood we know what to expect, it's not as much of a banana skin. I can remember last season against Coventry Sphinx last season and even years back for Port Vale at Ford United, lower league teams are always up for it and raise their game.

"Hopefully we can go on a good cup run, it's much needed after recent seasons and the players would really enjoy it.

"But it will be tough, Eastwood are a side in our league and are very physical."