Rangers remain in relegation places

Stafford Rangers will go into this weekend in the Blue Square North relegation places despite survival rivals Hyde losing at Eastwood.

It could have been worse – Hyde looked set for a point last night until Andy Todd's 88th minute winner left them with nothing at Coronation Park.

Rangers themselves needed an 86th minute equaliser to draw at Guiseley on Tuesday night and that point leaves them neck-and-neck with Hyde going into Saturday's games.

Both are locked on 27 points, with Rangers in the bottom two by virtue of goals scored but with a game in hand, away at Worcester on Monday night.

And manager Matt Elliott has told his players their fate is in their own hands when Harrogate come to Marston Road on Saturday.

He said: "It's getting tenser by the day but we can't afford to hope that others fail.

"There are no foregone conclusions in this league. If we sit there hoping they lose every game, then it's not healthy for us.

"Hopefully, others will fall by the wayside as we go along."

Elliott now turns his attentions to today's non-league transfer deadline, which is at 5pm, but the Rangers boss admits there may be no further additions to the squad.

An experienced goalkeeper to act as back-up to No 1 Lee Evans is an immediate priority and there are other targets, but time is running out for the manager to seal his deals.

With finances tight and the clock ticking, it could end it up being 'as you were' for Elliott.

He said: "I have certain restrictions and we are not fortunate enough to be able to bring in a large amount of players to bolster the squad at this stage of the season.

"But we are inquiring down a few different avenues although, if nothing comes through, I am not unhappy with the squad that I have got."