Rangers boss backing Matthew Jukes

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes today vowed to press on with Matthew Jukes in the aftermath of the striker's shot-shy Saturday.

Jukes, on his first start for the club, missed a golden chance to open his goalscoring account for Rangers in the 1-1 draw at home to Burscough.

The signing from Tividale jumped up two divisions to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League when he made the switch to Marston Road last month.

The 6ft 3in forward has scored 17 goals in the Midland Alliance this season but drew a blank on Saturday and was substituted after 73 minutes.

The 23-year-old had seen his debut delayed by a hamstring injury and missed a golden chance in his second appearance to win the game.

But Clowes is willing to cut the big targetman a bit of slack as he looks to find his feet at a higher standard of football.

He said: "I want him to learn what this league is about and we have got a lot of work to with him, but I saw enough in him.

"He's still young and I don't think anybody can expect a lad to come in after stepping up two divisions not to find it tougher.

"He's had a free header at goal on Saturday and put it wide, I would expect him to score and I don't think he will get a better chance.

"But he's certainly got the right attitude and he can score goals."