© 1997- 2010
| Stafford Rangers 0 Woking 1: 18th August 2007 Scorers Ah, yes. Stafford. The Black Country, Land of the Giants. At least as far as the spine of Rangers' team is concerned. Daniel and McAughtrie must be the biggest centre backs in the league, and in central midfield, Stones is taller (if not bulkier) than either of them. A sub called Richards joined the defence later on at full back, at a time when we had Goma and Charlesy up front, to create the greatest size mis-match in history (see picture 39). So we arrived in Stafford in the rain, watched 90 minutes of rain, and left in the rain. The English summer of 07. I stayed in the stand (perhaps in cowardly fashion) but the light was good enough to get some decent shots anyway. Rangers have developed their ground since our visit last season, adding seats at one end and covers (albeit canvassy-type stuff) at both ends. On their crowds they're doing well to achieve this. We spotted Matt Gray in tracksuit with Liam Marum and learned that he was out with a groin injury and had been replaced by Goma, the team otherwise remaining unchanged from Grays. The first half was fairly undistinguished, with, in all honesty, neither side good enough to score. Rangers had the best chance when McNiven got free down the left but beat the far post as well as the defence with his low drive (picture 10). Bradley was putting in some impressive work breaking up Rangers' attacks and popping off simple little balls; Pattison continued to run at opponents with relish and no little skill; and the three centre backs look better organised and more in tune with each other by the match. They needed to be as the indomitable and evergreen Neil Grayson still poses a considerable threat at the age of 97 (or whatever he is). He defends from the front (picture 3), is a constant menace in the air (pic 5 and pic 45) and likes a good grimace (pic 4 and pic 24). A worthy opponent indeed. Half time revealed the presence of one-time Man City wunderkind Steve McKenzie, working for the Press Association (picture 46), and it carried on raining. As at Grays, the meaningful action took place in the second half, at both ends. Rangers spurned a good chance when Stones shot at Nick (pic 19) but Marvin then went all Marvelous again with a two mile dribble, beating the whole Stafford team including the subs, stopped for a cup of tea, signed an autograph then slotted the ball past the keeper for a near carbon copy of his goal against Rushden (pictures 20, 21 , 22 & 23). He then so nearly did it again, this time going past the keeper, turning, but then shooting past the post (pics 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29). Gez was then swapped for Charles - Gez isn't quite getting it quite right yet and was angry with himself when he came off, a good sign in my view - followed soon after by Jerome Maledon replacing Marvelous who appeared to be suffering a little discomfort (though he warmed down and seemed to be OK later). As mentioned earlier, Goma then joined Charlesy up front for the smallest forward line since Tom Thumb had a kickabout with his (smaller) younger brother. Stafford, with the crowd urging them on, continued to press and Grayson managed to put a great chance over the bar from close-in (picture 35), Nick punched away off Grayson's head (picture 42) and Rangers generally kept up an aerial bombardment until the end. Still time, however, for the second most significant moment of the match. Once again, incident-magnet Matt Pattison was involved. He'd already been booked for what seems to be becoming a trademark, rather excessive flying tackle when he chased a ball that was going out for a throw deep in Stafford territory. Frank Gray shouted to him to leave it but he continued and the ball 'came into contact' with his foot and went over the fence. Protesting innocence failed to persuade the referee who, almost apologetically, produced the yellow and red cards, Matt this time being long gone, throwing his shirt down and leaving the field having had no sympathy from his manager who was still shaking his head and saying, in disbelief, "What did Patto think he was doing?" some minutes later. It didn't matter, as it happens, but as Clive Youlton said to me at the end, "I wonder what would have happened to Patto if they'd equalised in the final minute". No doubt Frank left him in no doubt. So, three points away from home for this young team, who are unquestionably still learning. The back 3 impress me enormously and growingly, and, of course, Matt Ruby can step in if/when one of them is missing. Danny Bunce is becoming more accustomed to a role that requires him to get forward rather more than last season and we have the new hero - Marvelous Marvin. All legs and Nade impressions, a fantastic smile - he loves this and how refreshing is that? -, and GOALS !! We just need Gez to hit form (and he will) and then who knows? It feels like it's going to take someone really good to beat us - look at Grays result after failing to win against us three days earlier - and, in all honesty, someone probably will at some point, but it looks like it could be a hugely enjoyable ride. Woking (3-5-2):
Gindre; Lorraine, Hutchinson, Gasson; Ruby, Pattison, Lambu, Quamina, Bunce; Sole (Charles 68), Morgan (Maledon 72).
Man of the Match: Marvin Morgan - fearless, risk-taker, goal maker/scorer and he's having fun. Moment of the Match: I'm guessing it was Marvin's goal - Mick Attendance: 642 |
