2/2/08 Stafford v Tamworth preview

Stafford Rangers will be looking to reach the FA Carlsberg Trophy quarter finals for the second time in three years when they entertain Tamworth at Marston Road on Saturday.

There should be a great atmosphere inside the stadium as fans from both sides will be out in force to cheer in their respective players.

To add interest to the game, The FA’s Customer Relations Roadshow will be in the Social Club from noon with the actual FA Trophy. Fans will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the famous trophy. Rangers will also receive a commemorative plaque as ‘Team of the Round’ for the win over Forest Green Rovers.

For Stafford, the match provides a break from league action and an ideal opportunity to bounce back from last Saturday’s result.

Caretaker Manager Neil Grayson who is keen to return to the side after missing the last two games, is looking forward to the tie.

He said: “We’ve got a local derby. It is a massive game for both the players and the club.”

In a rallying call to the fans, the Stafford Board issued a statement earlier in the week and urged fans to flock to Marston Road.

“We really need a good crowd for this game so encourage everyone you know to come and support us and create a great atmosphere for both sets of players and fans alike. We also look forward to welcoming everyone from Tamworth, we are sure that they are as excited about the prospect as us.”

There are no fresh injury problems to report so Richie Sutton and skipper Wayne Daniel should recover from the knocks that forced the pair out of the action before the end of the last game. Nathan Smith is unlikely to play any part and Seb Arnolin is cup-tied.

Defender Ryan Lynch is due to the last game of his initial one-month loan and a decision on a possible extension will be make over the weekend.

Visitors Tamworth, managed by Gary Mills, currently lie 16th in the Blue Square North table. Last Saturday they won at home to Hyde United to extend their current unbeaten run to three games.

Recent signings Colin Marrison and Martin Foster are cup-tied and Rangers fans hoping to see Craig McAughtrie in action may be disappointed. The popular defender, who made 214 appearances for Stafford before joining Tamworth back in September, has been out injured since the beginning of last month.

Saturday’s game will be the 48th post-War competitive meeting between Stafford and Tamworth. Of the previous 47, Stafford have 13 wins, Tamworth have 26 wins and 8 games have finished all-square. The figures don't include two drawn friendlies both played at Tamworth. The teams have met twice in the FA Trophy (see right-hand column) both in the 1995/96 Third Qualifying Round. Stafford won a replay 3-0 at The Lamb following a 1-1 draw at Marston Road.

Although the third round hasn’t always been the last-16 stage, Saturday’s game is Stafford’s 14th FA Trophy third round tie and the club has lost just one of the previous 13 ties – 3-2 after extra time in a replay to Telford United in February 1988. The biggest crowd was 3589 which packed into Marston Road on Saturday 21st February 1976 to see Stafford beat Matlock Town 3-1. A 1974 home replay against Romford drew 3424 fans. In contrast the smallest attendance was just 255 for a 1990 replay at Redbridge Forest which Stafford won 2-1 with both goals scored by Stan Collymore.

Any replay this time round will take place at The Lamb on Tuesday 5th February, kick-off 7-45 pm.