Video: Watch Rugby 0 Stafford Rangers 1
A goal by James Dance was enough to see Stafford Rangers through the FA Trophy preliminary round.
Dance scored the only goal of the tie at Rugby Town four minutes into the second half, leaving manager Neil Kitching delighted with his side's display and current form.
He said: "I thought it was a top drawer performance. Especially in the second-half, when we were disciplined, had a goal threat from wide areas and looked very strong at the back.
"We had to come here with a slightly different approach to league games, with the players we picked and the shape we played.
"That's three clean sheets on the bounce which I'm really pleased with, we've sorted out the problems from set pieces and I thought it was a thoroughly deserved victory.
" Everybody's put in a good shift and confidence is riding high."
Rangers goalkeeper Adam Whitehouse had to be alert in the first half to save from Justin Marsden and Will Grocott to ensure the tie remained goalless at half-time.
Dance would prove the difference though, as he got on the end of debutant Mathew Wood's through ball and, from the edge of the box, curled his shot into the top corner.
Stafford wasted further chances to make the game safe, as both Dance and Dan Cope failed to find the target.
Rugby almost forced a replay late on, but David Kolodynski was denied by Whitehouse and Sam Youngs hit the post.
(Video courtesy of Stafford Rangers TV)
