Previous pain will be used as 'fuel' for Rangers at Atherton

The Rangers were agonisingly beaten 1-0 in their previous trip to Atherton in April last year which left them three points from safety in the Northern Premier with two games remaining. 

Stafford were unable to avoid the drop, and rued a missed chance against their fellow strugglers. And, now, both sit towards the foot of the Northern One West and have found themselves scrapping for survival again.

But, after four wins in a row, the Rangers are out of the drop zone and full of confidence, and new manager Neil Kitching will be reminding his side of their pain against the Colls last year.

He said: “There are a number of lads that were here last season so we will use that as part of our fuel if you like to make sure that we go up there and get something.

"It is key to look at results in the last few weeks, anybody can beat anybody. If you turn up on the day you can win, as Atherton have proved. 

“The remaining matches are all big games that you want to be winning, especially against those around you. It is a big game because of where they are and they are in good form and come into the game on the back of a win against league leaders Widnes.

“It bodes well for a really good game. We will be going up there to try and get three points."

Stafford sit 17th after their great run of form, one point above Atherton who they beat 5-0 at Marston Road earlier this season. 

After a dream return to the club so far with two wins from two, Kitching couldn’t be happier. 

“Confidence is really high, the four wins in a row will only help that, and it will grow stronger,” the Rangers boss added. 

“We look a threat in front of goal and are strong defensively as a unit. 

“We look like we are capable of winning games against any team in the division.

“We are third in the form table from the last six games and have taken ourselves to a position now where we can start looking up.”

Elsewhere, play-off hopefuls Hednesford Town host table-toppers Widnes while fifth-placed Chasetown go to Mossley.

In the Northern One Midlands, fourth-placed Sporting Khalsa welcome AFC Rushden and Diamonds, Darlaston Town visit Sutton Coldfield Town and Lye Town entertain Loughborough Students.