Stafford Rangers 1 Morecambe 0
FA Carlsberg Trophy Second Round
At: Marston Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Attendance: 1121
Nationwide North leaders Stafford Rangers enhanced their growing reputation with a deserved victory over Morecambe, fifth in the Conference National.One goal always looked likely to decide this tight, but none-the-less absorbing game, and it was fitting that Kevin Street, outstanding all afternoon on a heavy pitch, scored the winner after 77 minutes.
Going into the game with a run of nine league and cup games without defeat, Stafford took the attack to Morecambe from the start. Neil Grayson twice headed wide and on 13 minutes defender Craig McAughtrie a headed goal disallowed for offside.
The visitors got more into the game and Ged Brannan hammered a 25-yard first-time shot over the bar.
On the half-hour, David Perkins saw a long-range effort tipped over by Rangers goalkeeper Dean Williams and, from the corner, Chris Blackburn headed over the bar.
Just before the interval, defender Liam Murray, deputising from the suspended Wayne Daniel, had a shot blocked by Chris Blackburn.
Stafford started the second half looking to win the game and Smith sent a first-time volley over the visitors’ bar.
There was a scare for the home side just before the hour mark when last defender McAughtrie was penalised for a foul on Danny Carlton just outside the area. Both players appeared to accidentally collide and, sensibly, the referee produced just a yellow card.
On 74 minutes, Stafford were awarded a free-kick which McAughtrie blasted through the wall. However, Drench made an excellent diving save.
Eventually the deadlock was broken three minutes later. Inside a populated area, Morecambe had several opportunities to clear before Street confidently drove home at close range. Drench got his hands to the ball but there was too much power in the shot.
Late in the game, Stafford almost scored a second goal. Drench could only parry a shot from Levi Reid but Robin Gibson couldn’t direct a follow-up effort on target from the rebound.
There was time for one last push from Morecambe. Curtis took the ball forward and sent a drive flashing past the post.
Stafford Rangers: Williams, Groves, Talbott, McAughtrie, Murray, Lovatt, Reid, Street, Grayson, Smith, R. Gibson. Subs: Downes, Walker (for Smith, 69), A. Gibson, Edwards, Robinson.
Morecame: Drench, Blackburn, Kempson, Bentley, Howard, Thompson, Brannan, Perkins, Curtis, Twiss, Carlton. Subs: Kelly, Davies, Lloyd (for Thompson, 71), Walmsley, Hardiker.
Referee: I. Smedley (Derby).
Attendance: 1,121.
