Stourbridge 2 Stafford Rangers 0

It was a first home win in three games with a 2-0 victory over a spirited Stafford Rangers team at a damp Amblecote, as goals in either half from Jordan Archer and Dan Preston sealed the three points for the Glassboys.

Boss Gary Hackett made one change to the starting line-up with Jordan Archer replacing Kayelden Brown, whilst Luke Rodgers, signed earlier in the day from Solihull Moors, was added to the subs bench.

Stour got off to a good start with Ethan Jones’ shot deflecting on to the bar in the 3rd minute. However just moments later Rangers missed a golden opportunity to edge in front when Kyle Perry was sent through one on one with Matt Gould only to see his shot pushed away by the Glassboys’ keeper. Rangers’ James Bowen and Stour’s Chris Knight were then both booked for separate fouls.

Rangers were made to pay for their earlier miss in the 11th minute when a long ball from Stuart Pierpoint was collected by Archer and the striker took the ball on and rounded visiting keeper Adam Whitehouse to put the Glassboys ahead and record his 9th goal of the season.

Rangers had an even better chance to score just minutes later when Perry shot wide from distance with Gould stranded. The visitors continued to test the Glassboys defence with both Jack Sherratt and Kris Taylor having shots blocked and Gould then saving well from Josh Gordon, and the half ended with Stour somewhat fortunate to be ahead.

The second half started more evenly with neither side in the ascendancy with both Leon Broadhurst and Tom Tonks seeing efforts miss the target. A rash of substitutions then followed with Rodgers replacing Ethan Jones and a double change by Rangers with George Cater and Omar Haughton taking over from Perry and Levi Reid before Josh Green replaced Pierpoint.

As play continued Chris Knight now playing in the centre of defence made a timely tackle as Rangers threatened to break away before Gordon and Cater both went close for the visitors. Rangers then made their final change with Izak Reid replacing Sherratt.

Broadhurst then did well to create an opportunity which was forced out for a corner before Stour got the vital second goal on 83 minutes when Tonks’ excellent right wing cross was nodded home by the unchallenged Preston at the back post for his first goal for the club.

Stour saw the remainder of the game out without incident to earn a vital three points in their push for promotion and consolidate their position at the head of the play off pack with another vital match with Matlock next up on Saturday at 3pm.