Stafford Rangers 1 Northwich Victoria 1
Abandoned after 50 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch
Nationwide Conference
At: Marston Road
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Attendance: 980
Weather: -
Stafford Rangers and Northwich Victoria will have to meet again sometime during the next five weeks after referee Jake Collin called a halt early in the second half. Heavy rain fell throughout the first half onto an already wet surface and players from both sides found it difficult to play any decent football. Michael Byrne put Northwich ahead in the 39th minute with a well-stuck shot from 15 yards. The referee carried out an inspection just before the game resumed after the interval and decided to give it a go. Neil Grayson got Stafford back on level terms just 15 seconds after the restart when he got on the end of a right-wing cross and perhaps his equaliser made it easier for Mr Collin to bring a premature halt to the proceedings.
Both managers agreed with the decision to abandon the game early in the second half because of a waterlogged pitch. Phil Robinson said: “The referee had no alternative to call it off. The water was simply not draining away.” Vics boss Steve Burr didn't disagree with the decision, commenting: “Leading 1-0 we wanted to go out and play in the second half but I was amazed the referee kicked off.”
Stafford Rangers (black/white stripes/black/black): Danny Alcock, Richard Sutton, Craig McAughtrie, Wayne Daniel (capt), Nathan Talbott, Robin Gibson, Ged Murphy, Chris Basham, Danny Edwards, Neil Grayson, Dolapo Olaoye. Subs: Guy Madjo (for Olaoye, ht), Alex Gibson, Matty Barlow, David Oldfield, Liam Murray.
Northwich Victoria (yellow/blue/blue): Ben Connett, Jon McCarthy, Michael Carr, Kieran Charnock, Tony Gallimore, Richard Battersby, Stuart Elliott (capt), Terry Barwick, Michael Byrne, Jonny Allan, Mark Sale. Subs: Phil Senior, Paul Brayson, Kevin Townson, Ryan Brown, Carlos Roca.
Referee: Jake Collin (Liverpool).
Attendance: 980.
Goals:
0-1 Michael Byrne (39)
1-1 Neil Grayson (46)
