Rangers gave a debut to Chris Morris, signed from Romulus in midweek. Morris replacing Matthew Bell was the only change as Rangers looked for back to back victories against promotion chasing rivals. Morris was quickly into the action putting John Shaw under pressure and forcing a backpass which was only just reached by keeper Ryan McMahon. A Michael Carr free-kick almost picked out Ryan Dicker as McMahon fumbled the ball. The best effort of the first half came in stoppage time when Neville Thompson set off on a run and fired goalwards from 25 yards forcing a comfortable save from McMahon.
Marine had an early opportunity after the break but Jonathan Goulding fired over after good work from Neil Harvey. Marine were looking more dangerous attacking the main stand but Goulding missed a decent chance dragging his sot well wide. Against the run of play, Rangers took the lead in the 66th minute. Morris again put Shaw under pressure, robbing the Marine defender before squaring to Thompson who sidefooted home. Peter Heler and Morris combined to send Thompson free but his shot flew wide of the goal. Marine substitute Thomas Moore hit the side netting after being played in by Harvey but Marine were only being allowed half chances by the Rangers resolute backline. Marine had appeals for a penalty turned down after Moore went down in the box but referee Natalie Walker was unmoved and Rangers held out for a welcome three points.
Marine: Ryan McMahon, Paul Lundon (Thomas Moore 60), Louis Barnes, John Shaw, Sam Barnes, Robbie Lawton, Joe Fowler, Jonathan Goulding, Aaron Rey, Neil Harvey (Matthew Devine 81), Ian Latham (Liam Dawson 60).
Subs not used: Carl Gargan, Phil Brazier
Stafford Rangers: Danny Read, Luke George, Ryan Brown, Karl Espley, Ryan Dicker, Michael Carr, Peter Heler, Kevin Street, Chris Morris, Neville Thompson (Glynn Blackhurst 82), Jon Sheldon (Matthew Bell 90). Subs not
Subs used: Paul Donnelly, Robert Stevenson, Jordan Wood
Booked: Lundon, Lawton, Fowler (Marine), George, Brown (Stafford)
Referee: Natalie Walker (Walton-le-Dale)
Attendance: 458
