Rangers may not play until New Year

Stafford Rangers could be ruled out of action until the New Year with the Boxing Day derby game at home to AFC Telford expected to be struck off today.

Rangers were due hold a pitch inspection at 3pm to see if there is any chance of the match going ahead, but it's expected to be little more than a formality.

The cold snap had gripped Marston Road to the point that even the turnstiles were frozen stiff yesterday.

And Rangers' next hosts on December 28, Worcester, aren't holding out much hope that game at St George's Lane will get off the ground, either.

Their director with responsibility for the ground, Colin Layland, "really can't see it happening."

But the outlook of Rangers going to AFC Telford in the derby return game on New Years Day is brighter, such is the way the New Bucks Head playing surface has stood up to the weather.

The Bucks could have even played last Saturday's home match with Eastwood, had their visitors been able to get out of Nottinghamshire after heavy snowfall.

Rangers manager Tim Flowers certainly expects his next opponents to be their local rivals, although it's unlikely to be on Boxing Day as originally billed.

He said: "Telford are obviously a very good side in our division, they have got a lot of resources and it's going to be a tough one.

"But it's a game that you want to play in, if you have got anything about you.

"We will be fine, don't worry about that, and the lads will be ready for it.

"Hopefully we can put on a good show and come away with a result."