Rangers boss bewildered by rearrangement

Saturday's scheduled Evo-Stik Division One South trip to Leicestershire was called off just before noon because of a waterlogged pitch.

But, within an hour league official,s had rearranged the fixture.

The league is keen to ensure there is no fixture back-log going into the final three weeks of the season.

But Kitching pointed out both teams have a clear midweek next week, rather than cramming in a second game in three days after Easter Monday's programme.

He said: "I'm disappointed with the way the fixture has been put into place. It was called off on Saturday at a quarter to twelve and within an hour it's in place for Wednesday.

"I'm disappointed with the league arranging the game without consulting the two teams. (Stafford secretary) Robbie (Mullin) hasn't been asked whether we could sort out a squad.

"The players knew they would have a game on Saturday and Monday but now they've got to get a day off, or finish early, or change their shifts because we're playing on Wednesday.

"The league should have asked both secretaries and if it couldn't be played then there is the following week so everybody can prepare."

Kitching fears some of the Rangers squad will be unavailable for visit to Coalville, as seventh-placed Rangers look to close the five points gap to the play-off places.

Realistically, Rangers need to win their remaining four games and hope their rivals slip-up but they do end the season with a home game against fellow contenders Gresley.

Kitching said: "This is a huge, huge game for us. If we can get another three points it will really set the cat among the pigeons as far as our rivals are concerned.

"The big thing for me is to try and take it to the last game of the season so it's still all to play for against Gresley."

Wide player Ryan Edmunds serves the second match of his three-game ban but Kitching reports no new injuries after Monday's win against Chasetown.