Vauxhall Motors thwarted by Stafford Rangers

Jan 19 2011 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

Stafford Rangers 1 Vauxhall Motors 0

MOTORS missed the chance to move up to eighth in the Blue Square Bet North league table as new Stafford manager Matt Elliott celebrated his first game in charge with victory in this scrappy encounter at Marston Road.

Most of the action was in the second half as the first period saw Stafford kicking with the wind and creating a number of half chances.

Vauxhall had the best chance of the first half on 30 minutes when man-of-the-match Josh Wilson found space to cross but Obi Anoruo couldn’t get a touch on the ball.

After the interval, Stafford keeper Lee Evans saved his side on a number of occasions as the Motormen made the most of the windy conditions.

First defender Tom Hannigan headed over from a Neil Prince corner then Wilson had the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed by the referee for alleged pushing by the Motors captain.

Minutes later Wilson beat the offside trap and raced towards goal but Evans did well to narrow the angle and save with his legs.

The Stafford stopper then kept out a Craig Mahon effort and twice thwarted Neil Prince as Motors piled on the pressure.

But the only goal came after 77 minutes and Vauxhall will feel a little aggrieved with the referee after he overruled the linesman by giving Stafford a throw-in which had been flagged in Motors’ favour. Stafford broke free with substitute Shane Benjamin , who had his shot saved by Jon Ritchie, but Andre Francis was on hand to bundle the ball home.

After the game, manager Carl Macauley said: “I thought we approached the game well and we always knew it would be a difficult game against a side fighting for their lives.

“What’s important now is how we respond.”

Vauxhall: Ritchie, Noone, Dames, Taylor, Hannigan, Prince, Mahon, Brown, Anoruo, Wilson, Grice. Subs not used; Smith, Wright, Mboa, Clancy

Next up for Motors is a home game against Corby Town tonight, kick-off at Rivacre Park at 7.45pm.

Motors are offering fans reduced admission to the home game against Nuneaton Town on Saturday (ko 3pm). Adults can get in for £4 (£2 concessions), students for £1 and under 16s go free.