Saturday 12th February 2005
Vauxhall Motors 0 Stafford Rangers 0
Nationwide North
At: Rivacre Park, Rivacre Road, Hooton
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Programme: ???
Attendance: 246
Weather: windy
Duration: first-half: 45:54; second-half: 46:05
Rangers’ first-ever visit to Rivacre Park on The Wirral was a largely-forgettable goalless draw played is very windy conditions. There was little goalmouth action though, on 82 minutes, Vauxhall almost snatched victory from their only corner of the second half.
Previously I’d visited the ground back in April 1988 when Vauxhall GM lost 1-0 at home to Ashton Town in a North-West Counties League Division Two game.
This afternoon, both sides found it difficult to play football and, as a result, few scoring opportunities were created, admittedly against two well-organised defences.
Injuries forced two changes to the Stafford starting line-up. Richie Beale regained his left-back spot in place of Dennis Pearce while Craig Lovatt came in for player-boss Phil Robinson. And Alex Gibbons was rewarded for some excellent performances in the reserves with a place amongst the substitutes.
Stafford got the game underway as Vauxhall Motors decided to attack with the wind in the first half and, early on, Alan Griffiths fired a 25-yard free kick straight at the well-positioned Glyn Thompson.
The home side kept the ball inside the Rangers half for long periods though they were restricted to trying their luck from occasional free-kicks, corners and speculative efforts.
Making their first-ever visit to the Wirral-based club, Stafford worked hard to get forward and, on the half hour, Neil Grayson got inside the home area but good defending prevented the striker from getting in a shot.
With Stafford ‘benefiting’ from the wind in the second half, both sides attempted to play passing football. There was danger for Stafford in the 59th minute when James Olsen delivered a far post cross towards Anthony Wright who couldn’t quite get his head to the ball.
Stafford’s best chance came four minutes later. A deep cross from the left, aimed at Robin Gibson, was pushed behind by home ’keeper Tim Dittmer at the expense of a corner.
Vauxhall almost scored a dramatic late winner in the 83rd minute, from their only corner of the second half. Wayne McDermott’s flag kick caused problems and both Robbie Lawton and Steve McNulty has efforts blocked, and James Parry volleyed wide.
Rangers survived to extend their current unbeaten run to six league and cup games. And, by becoming only the third side to prevent Vauxhall scoring this season, added a fourteenth clean sheet to their impressive defensive record.
Stafford have had some bad luck on their travels this season and another nightmare could have occurred at Rivacre Park, when power cut in the local area put the floodlights out of action. Fortunately, there was sufficient light to complete the game, despite the concerns of the referee at half-time.
Vauxhall Motors (white / navy blue / white): 1. Tim Dittmer, 2. Lee Woodyatt, 3. Carl Spellman, 4. Alan Griffiths, 5. Steve McNulty, 6. Phil Brazier, 7. Darren Wright, 8. Robbie Lawton (capt), 9. Anthony Wright, 10. James Olsen, 11. Chris Noone. Subs: 12. James Parry (for Noone, 61), 14. Carl Nesbitt (not used), 15. Wayne McDermott (for Griffiths, 77), 16. Mike Duffy (not used), 17. Carl Macauley (not used).
Stafford Rangers (red/red/red): 1. Glyn Thompson, 2. Craig McAughtrie, 3. Richard Beale, 4. Chris Smith, 5. Wayne Daniel (capt), 6. Craig Lovatt, 7. Nathan Talbott, 8. Rob Heath, 9. Neil Grayson, 10. Lee Downes, 11. Robin Gibson. Subs: 12. Danny Edwards (not used), 14. Craig Wilding (for Downes, 67), 15. Alan Dodd (not used), 16. Jamie Phoenix (for Talbott, 84), 17. Alex Gibbons (not used).
Referee: D. Roberts (Salford).
Assistants: Mr Bristow (Manchester) and Mr Maxon (Manchester).
Goals: none
Cards: none
