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Video: Stocksbridge 1 Stafford Rangers 2

Stafford Rangers made it three wins on the bounce with a hard fought victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

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A Nathan Rooney strike on the hour was the difference between the sides as the Boro took another stride towards the Evo-Stik Division One South title.

Rangers manager Neil Kitching said: "They were a big, strong and physical outfit which caused us problems.

"It was a real battle and two bits of quality from us have won the day.

"It was always one of them games which would be difficult to get something from."

Rangers had a flurry of chances before taking the lead on 11 minutes, when a Rooney cross was flicked on by the head of Christian Dacres to allow marksman Ben Haseley to tap home.

Top goalscorer Haseley nearly doubled his side's lead moments later, rising highest from another Rooney cross but heading at the goalkeeper as his side dominated the first-half.

Steels provided more of a threat after the break and Corey Gregory saw his header cleared off the line, before captain Liam McFadyen struck his side level on 55 minutes.

Despite being pinned inside their box Rangers responded in style with ex-Wolves academy player Rooney picking up a loose ball and firing home from 25-yards out.

The Boro nearly had a third goal in the dying moments.

Ssubstitute Ryan Wynter beat the off-side trap before hesitating and allowing the Steels defence to snatch the ball from him, but Rangers held on for victory.

Rangers have a 13-point gap over second-placed Coalville Town, who have a game in hand.

But the real challenge is coming from Shaw Lane Aquaforce, 16 points behind in third place but with five games in hand over Boro.

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