Recap

Rangers’ boss Graham Deakin made 7 changes to the starting line up with keeper Russell Saunders making his debut.

Although Deakin was pleased to advance he wasn’t satisfied with the overall performance of his side, stating that it had been a poor game to watch.

Rangers had controlled the opening quarter without really testing home keeper Milai Perott as the final ball lacked quality.

The Boro’s plans were hampered when Joe Dunne limped off on 24 minutes, replaced by Jack Birch. Corby sensed an opportunity, creating two great chances in a minute.

Jordon Crawford broke clear in the space vacated by Dunne but Saunders passed his first test with a parry save before Andy Burns cleared as Francesco Obiagwu was set to pounce.

Seconds later, Obiagwu hit the bar with Wictor Gromek heading the loose ball into the arms of Saunders.

Deakin replaced Anis Zaknoune with Beto Gomes as Rangers reorganised and, soon after, the changes paid dividends as Birch put Rangers ahead on 38 minutes.

Wealth Da Silva was denied with the initial shot when Perott saved but Birch was on hand to convert from close range.

Half Time: Corby Town Stafford Rangers 1

Rangers made a couple more changes at half time with Scott Bakkor and Tom Tonks replacing Da Silva and Remi Efunnuga respectively.

A misplaced pass from Andy Burns allowed Obiagwu to go clear but, once again, Saunders saved his team.

As time passed, Rangers looked more settled. Bakkor hit the side netting and an inswinging centre from Tonks just eluded the touch from a couple of Stafford players. Gomes also tried his luck with a low drive but Perott was untroubled.

In the final 10, it was always Rangers who were most likely to add to the score. Mitch Clarke had a header blocked and Kyle Sambor fired over before Ty Webster made certain that Rangers would progress when he used his head to divert Harvey Washington’s shot.

Full Time: Corby Town 0 Stafford Rangers 2

Corby: 1 Milai Perott, 2 Eunis Lievins, 3 Oliver Downs, 4 James Matthews, 5 Ben Williams, 6 Bradley Gothard, 7 Jordon Crawford, 8 Wiktor Gromek (16 Martin Tsvetkov 71m), 9 Francesco Obiagwu, 10 Lewis Wilson (14 Reuben Marshall 65m), 11 Amir Ward. Unused Subs 12 Carter Widowson, 15 Theo Braham, 19 Ben Smith

Stafford: 13 Russell Saunders, 3 Joe Dunne (10 Jack Birch 27m), 4 Remi Efunnuga (8 Tom Tonks 46m), 5 Andy Burns, 6 Harvey Washington, 7 Kyle Sambor, 11 Wealth Da Silva (9 Scott Bakkor 46m), 12 Todd Ferrier, 14 Anis Zaknoune (2 Beto Gomes 32m), 15 Joe Thompson (16 Ty Webster 75m), 17 Mitch Clarke.

Referee: Martin Beard

Cautions: Gromek 69m (Corby)

Goals:

Corby: None

Stafford: Birch 35m, Webster 88m

Att: 341

Report by Chris Elsley