Rocester 1 Stafford Rangers 1

The game was preceded by a one-minute silence for Bob Mellor, well-known in local football circles and a good friend of the club over the years, who sadly passed away last week.

Once underway the game provided a good work-out for both sides and decent entertainment for the near 200 crowd who watched Rocester come within ten minutes of a surprise win over their illustrious opponents.

Chris Rowley gave the Romans a 56th minute lead from the penalty spot after Kyle Esplin was fouled inside the area, but with just eight minutes remaining Rangers' Dave Walker spared the visitors' blushes with a cool close-range finish to level the scores.

The opening 20 minutes was well contested but as the half wore on it was Stafford, who started with almost their entire recognised first team from last season, who held the upper hand. However they were up against a determined home side who defended well and were always prepared to get forward and play their own game.

When Rangers did find a way through they were let down by their finishing. Neil Grayson, Craig Lovatt and Kevin Street all had clear chances but failed to hit the target, and Street was unlucky to see one effort hit the post and bounce straight back into the arms of goalkeeper Brad Clark.

The visitors made ten changes at half time, including the introduction of former Wolves playmaker Simon Osbourne to pull the strings in midfield. Rocester made seven changes of their own during the second period and although Rangers remained the more dangerous of the two teams Rocester's new boss Damian Grocott can be well pleased with his side's level of performance and commitment.