BANIM WANTS BORO TO TRANSFER CUP FORM IN TO LEAGUE ARENA
JODY Banim wants to use Stafford Rangers’ cup form as ‘a catalyst’ to get their league campaign up and running.
The Boro are yet to record a win or even score a goal in the Northern Premier League, but progressed through a tough FA Cup second qualifying round tie against Buxton last weekend.
They couldn’t trouble the scorers, but held out for a 0-0 draw before winning 4-2 on penalties.
That earned them a home tie against Hereford in the next round, on Tuesday, but first of all they have Northern Premier League top-flight business to attend to with Hyde United visiting Marston Road tomorrow.
And after finding some defensive resilience, Banim says all Rangers need to do is add some goals. “We’re a work in progress, but things are starting to come together now,” he said.
“We’re just trying things and looking for the solution. We’re not scoring, which is a worry, but we are creating openings. “Our final ball is lacking, and we’ll get there.” Banim was delighted with the performance against Buxton, which he said was something of a cup upset. “Nobody gave us a chance coming here,” he said. “They’ve got a massive budget behind them and some really experienced players, so to come here, keep a clean sheet and create the best opportunities is massively pleasing.
“I’m absolutely delighted, and I think we got our just desserts.
“We created the two best chances of the game and defended really, really well. “We got a clean sheet which is really pleasing. “We were solid and we looked dangerous on the break.”
Rangers were without four players through injury and illness at the weekend, meaning a surprise debut in defence for Liam Langford after Ben Forrester called in sick. The 23-year-old, left, was at Llandudno last season, and played one half of pre-season football for Boro before tearing his hamstring.
Of the other absentees, Dan Burns could return against Hyde, though Tom Thorley and Jon Moran may remain sidelined.
“We need to use this as a catalyst to get three points against Hyde,” added Banim.
“We need to start scoring more goals and if we do that we will start picking points up because we are difficult to beat.” NANTWICH TOWN were due to be at home to Atherton Collieries in the Premier Division, but the match has been called off.
The midweek trip to Gainsborough Trinity was postponed after one of the Dabbers’ squad tested positive for coronavirus. And this weekend’s scheduled encounter has also been put on the back burner.
Dabbers chairman Jon Gold released a statement on the club website, which read: “Following the postponement of they game at Gainsborough and after further consultation with Public Health England and the Northern Premier League, this Saturday’s home game against Atherton Collieries has also been postponed and will be rescheduled later in the season.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and anyone who has already purchased tickets for this game, will receive an automatic refund. “The majority of the squad are all healthy and are following the necessary guidelines and protocol and as it stands at the moment, we will hopefully be in a position to safely resume first-team football activities early next week and we will advise on this as and when confirmed.
“All other football activities at Nantwich Town, including community and youth-team football and training are unaffected, though we would urge everyone to follow the government’s advice (if they haven’t already) to download the NHS Track & Trace App and use it when entering the facility, as it’s extremely important that we all follow the guidelines and rules stringently. “I appreciate that this maybe frustrating, especially after the exciting and positive start that the team have had, but the health and well-being of everyone, including players, management, supporters, volunteers and staff is of the highest priority. “Thanks for your understanding and support.”