Rob Stevenson to start for Rangers

Stafford Rangers boss Greg Clowes today gave Rob Stevenson the nod to fill the boots of top scorer Neville Thompson at home to Bradford Park Avenue.

Thompson signed for Airbus on Tuesday and Stevenson will take the No 10 shirt of the 11-goal forward for the match at Marston Road.

Stevenson has pipped Alan Nagington, who is recalled to the squad but must settle for a place on the bench, to the post for a starting spot.

The 18-year-old scored as a substitute in the last home game against Stocksbridge Park Steels and bagged a brace in a friendly at Eccleshall.

Clowes said: "Rob's shown me that he's biting at the bit and he deserves his chance to partner Chris Morris up front.

"He's got pace, he's not frightened and he knows where the net is."

Rangers come into the game unbeaten in the last four games, with three wins, which has put them 10th in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Two of those victories came against in-form sides FC United of Manchester and Marine, who haven't lost since, before Stocksbridge were routed 5-1.

Stocksbridge then thrashed North Ferriby 7-0 in their next match, while Rangers took a point at play-off chasers Chorley.

Clowes' men now host sixth-placed Avenue and the manager is looking for his side to show they found consistency.

He said: "This league is not cut and dry, we have broken up some winning streaks but we have not been proved consistent yet.

"They are coming thick and fast now but I would prefer to be playing teams at the top, because they are drawing the best out of us.

"Bradford have been up there all season and have those aspirations so we are coming up against a similar team, ability wise."