Match Report: Stafford Rangers 2-0 Radcliffe FC

Radcliffe FC slipped to their second away defeat in a week as they were beaten 2-0 by Stafford Rangers.

Jake Charles netted both goals for the Rangers on a disappointing afternoon for Jon Macken and his men.

The Boro now return to the Neuven as they are set to face Witton Albion.

It was a very open affair in first half as both sides tried to find an early foothold in the game.

The away sides first real opportunity fell to Ben Wharton. He controlled a long ball forward from Ollie Martin but his volley flew over the Rangers crossbar.

Just minutes later Martin was called into action for the first time in the contest. He was forced into a great save with his feet and then he had to collect to keep the scores level with 22 minutes on the clock.

Kingsley Williams had a great chance to give the Boro the lead but his volley was collected by the Stafford goalkeeper.

Moments later the home side very nearly took the lead for themselves. After a dangerous corner, the ball was directed goal wards luckily Scott Metcalfe was on the line to turn it wide.

With eight minutes left in the first half, Stafford took the lead. A mix up between Martin and Rick Smith on the edge of the box left Jake Charles with a simple tap in to give the home side a deserved lead.

Stafford started the second half the better of the two sides. Within minutes of the restart Martin was called into action again first to collect a volley from range then to deny Rangers a second.

The Boro’s first real opportunity of the second period fell to substitute Elliot Rokka. He fired from range but it was comfortably collected by the Stafford goalkeeper.

With 20 minutes left on the clock the Boro managed to create another dangerous chance. Tyrese Sinclair linked up with the returning Anton Forrester but his goal bound shot was saved once again.

On 73 minutes the home side were awarded a penalty as the forward was bundled over in the Boro box. Charles dispatched the spot kick and doubled the home sides lead.

Stafford managed to hang onto the lead in the closing stages and gain a well deserved three points. The Boro slipped out of the play-off plays with the defeat.