Danny Read ruled out for Rangers

Stafford Rangers goalkeeper Danny Read will miss the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League season opener at Kendal after failing to recover from a knee injury.

Read was hurt in last weekend's final pre-season friendly at Kidsgrove and will be replaced by Adam Alcock.

Third-choice Jordon Wood will be on the bench tomorrow, having been recalled from his loan spell at Norton United.

But Simon Everall and Christian Dacres have been passed fit to make the trip after struggling with knocks to the knee.

However, Rangers' real problems come at the back with four centre-halves are suspended on the opening day.

Jermaine Johnson, Liam Walshe, Luke George and Karl Espley are all out, leaving only Ryan Dicker available.

Dicker is likely to be partnered by Jimmy Turner, with Alex Forde replacing Turner at right-back.

Right winger Peter Heler is also banned, so Simon Clarke steps in with Turner needed in defence.

Rangers boss Greg Clowes has made nine signings this summer and hopes they have had enough time to gel, now the "sparring" has gone.

Clowes said: "We have just got to go to Kendal and play some of the stuff we have in pre-season, that should be our aim.

"All of the sparring has gone now, we are in a proper match, and only performances will win us points.

"I expect the sort of game we normally have in our league, competitive with good players on show.

"This league opened my eyes last season and, hopefully, I can pass some of that experience on to the players.

"Whichever team performs on the day, collectively, will win the game and we want to get off to a good start."