1/4/08 Rangers head to Essex

Stafford Rangers face a long journey to Grays Athletic as they look to end a run of four straight defeats. The game was originally scheduled for early February but had to be rearranged due to Rangers progress in the FA Carlsberg Trophy.

Manager Steve Bull MBE faces the choice of naming the same starting line-up which bravely battled against runaway league leader Aldershot Town on Saturday. Djimi Sangare misses the chance to face his old club as he serves the second game of a two-match ban. Kevin Street may be fit enough to play some part. Definitely out are Marcio Adaggio, who could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring problem, and Del Oloaye who is nearing a comeback.

Grays manager Mick Woodward, who is also the Chairman, has just about a full squad to choose from with Andy Sambrook the notable absentee with a groin injury. Recent loan signing Jeff Goulding is one player Rangers need to keep an eye on. He moved to Grays from Fisher Athletic where he was top scorer with 11 goals and is an England C international.

The game tonight will be the fifth meeting between Stafford and Grays. The first was in the FA Trophy back in January 1993 when Grays made full use of home advantage to record a 1-0 win. The other three previous meeting have been in the Conference and Blue Square Premier. Last season, on the opening day, it finished 1-1 at Grays. Michael Kightly opened the scoring in the 6th minute only for Rangers to quickly equalise with a Neil Grayson penalty. Rangers won the return 4-2 at Marston Road with Craig McAughtrie scoring one of the goals with a spectacular long-range strike. Earlier this season, Grays won 2-0 in the Marston Road sunshine with first-half goals from Charley Hearn and Gavin Grant.

Directions: From Junction 30 of the M25, take the A13 towards Southend. At the Grays exit follow the signs to the town centre. Upon entering the one-way system, keep left then continue up the hill for about 1/2 mile. Turn right into Bridge Road. The ground is on your right.

Parking within the ground is very limited, but there is a small, free public car park opposite the main entrance. Grays train station is a seven minute walk away and there is a large multi-storey car park just six minutes away, near the station.