Last chance to stake Rangers claims

Stafford Rangers winger Dean Clarke will get his last chance to make the 'right' impression on boss Greg Clowes in their final pre-season friendly at Kidsgrove.

Clarke scored a free-kick in last weekend's 3-2 win at Cymru Alliance club Llandudno and will play on Saturday, with Clowes needing a right winger.

First choice Peter Heler is suspended for next Saturday's campaign opener at Kendal and the following Tuesday's first home game against Grantham.

Defenders Liam Walshe, Luke George and Karl Espley are banned but play on Saturday, as Ryan Dicker and Jermaine Johnson won't be risked.

And Clarke will stake his final claims for an Evo-Stik Northern Premier League start, having signed this summer after a successful trial period.

Clowes' other option is to push Jimmy Turner upfield and use Alex Forde at right-back but the Rangers boss wants to see Clarke in a "stiff test."

The manager said: "In pre-season, we are tried different things, some things have come off and some things haven't.

"But, in general, I have been pleased with how we have applied ourselves, now I want to finish on a high.

"Arguably, Kidsgrove will give us our stiffest test apart from full-time clubs and I include Llandudno in that.

"I think 3-2 flattered them last week and Kidsgrove have also got players in the team that were with us last season.

"Those lads will want to prove a point but they have got nothing to prove to me, I worked with three of them for years.

Former Rangers players Paul Donnelly, Dan Skelton and Alan Nagington will figure for Kidsgrove after their summer switch.

Clowes also goes up against the home club's new boss Shaun Hollinshead, who was formerly his reserve team boss at Alsager.

He said: "Shaun is a friend of mine, he's a very good sort. He's stepped up to the plate and got himself a good job at Kidsgrove.

"I am very pleased for him that he is progressing."