Express & Star

Chris Sterling backed to get 20 goals

Stafford Rangers striker Chris Sterling has been backed to become a 20-goal striker this season after his deadly run of form continued on Saturday.

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Stafford Rangers striker Chris Sterling has been backed to become a 20-goal striker this season after his deadly run of form continued on Saturday.

The 24-year-old's sixth goal of the season earned Rangers a replay in the FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Eastwood and is expected to lead the line again at Marston Road tomorrow night.

Sterling is relatively inexperienced at Blue Square North level after spending last season playing for Rocester in the Midland Alliance, but has been on a hot run since taking the place of injured striker Nick Wellecomme for his league debut nine games ago.

And winger Levi Reid, who put the cross in for his latest strike on Saturday, believes Rangers' new star can really hit the heights if he keeps it up.

Reid said: "I am not surprised he's scoring the goals that he has, to be honest, because I train with him and I know what he can do. He's done well and you can't fault him really, he's banging in goals.

"He's got the pace to worry anyone, so he's always going to get chances.

"If he keeps going the way he is, he's definitely capable of getting 20 goals this season."

Rangers were also boosted by the surprise return of Jermaine Johnson in defence on Saturday, who made a quicker-than-expected return from a hamstring injury for his first appearance of the season.

Johnson was much needed with three defenders sidelined and Reid believes the start will have done him the power of good.

He said: "Jermaine's a fit lad anyway but, mentally more than anything, the 90 minutes would have done a lot for him.

"It doesn't matter what you do, you can run or go to the gym or anything, but there's no substitute for playing football."

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