Recap
Manager Graham Deakin had the luxury of a fully fit squad, welcoming Harvey Washington and Wealth Da Silva back into the starting XI. Mitch Clarke and Darrhyl Mason, both starters against Lichfield City in midweek, dropped to the bench. Ash Fallon also amongst the substitutes following his return from suspension.
Matlock arrived with an inconsistent start behind them — two wins and two defeats from their opening four fixtures — and with new additions in former Boro man Kieron Dawes and centre half Musa Ceesay, signed from Quorn ahead of the tie.
A crowd of over a thousand gathered, and before kick off the stadium paused for an emotional tribute to Eric Robins, affectionately known as “Mr Stafford Rangers.” Club director David Montgomery delivered a heartfelt eulogy, followed by a powerful minute’s applause around the ground.
First Half
Rangers made the perfect start. In the fourth minute, Andy Burns released Scott Bakkor down the right, who beat Jeremie Milambo and delivered a superb low cross for Wealth Da Silva to tap home his fourth goal of the season — fittingly in front of the newly named Eric Robins Stand, with Wealth sponsored by Eric and Alan Gee this campaign.
Matlock grew into the game, but Leon Phillips commanded his area well, and Burns produced several key blocks to keep the visitors at arm’s length.
Stafford continued to threaten. On 23 minutes, Bakkor’s cross found Tom Tonks ten yards out, but his effort was comfortably held by Marcus Dewhurst. Matlock responded with chances of their own — Burns blocked a goalbound strike from Zak Goodson, and Jed Abbey’s dangerous cross flashed through the box untouched.
Rangers finished the half strongly. Washington headed straight at Dewhurst from a Jack Birch delivery, before Bakkor was denied by the keeper after meeting a Tonks long throw.
Half time: Stafford Rangers 1–0 Matlock Town
Second Half
Matlock made three changes at the break, but their hopes were dented just two minutes into the half. Da Silva showed great strength to turn Dawes inside the box, with the defender pulling him down. Referee Jordan Lockwood pointed straight to the spot.
Up stepped last season’s top scorer Jack Birch, who calmly placed his penalty into the bottom right corner to double Rangers’ lead.
Stafford pushed for a third. Joe Dunne’s driving run set up Da Silva, whose effort drifted narrowly wide. Moments later, Bebeto Gomes weaved into the box, and although his pull back was cleared, Tonks’ swerving strike forced Dewhurst into action.
Matlock remained in the contest. Conor Washington’s 67th minute effort was deflected wide by Burns, and the visitors finally found a breakthrough in the 82nd minute. Substitute Tommy Elliot threaded a pass through the defence for Goodson, who finished low into Phillips’ bottom left corner — the first goal Rangers have conceded this season.
A tense final spell followed, with Dewhurst even joining the attack for late set pieces. Stafford still carved out the last chance of the match when Mason released Bakkor, but Dewhurst blocked with his right foot to keep Matlock alive.
The whistle eventually sounded with Rangers holding firm for a deserved 2–1 victory, securing their place in Monday’s draw for the First Qualifying Round.
Stafford: Leon Phillips, Beto Gomes, Joe Dunne, Remi Efunnuga, Andy Burns, Harvey Washington, Kyle Sambor (Ashley Fallon 63), Tom Tonks (Todd Ferrier 71), Scott Bakkor, Jack Birch (Joe Thompson 80), Wealth Da Silva (Darrhyl Mason 63). Subs not used: Ty Webster, Russell Saunders, Mitch Clarke
Goals: Da Silva 4, Birch 47
Assists: Bakkor
Cautions: Birch, Dunne, Tonks, Thompson
Matlock: Marcus Dewhurst, Kieron Dawes, Jeremie Milambo (Keke Jeffers 61), Josh Waldrum (Tommy Elliott 46), Musa Ceesay, Max Asante-Boakye, Manasse Mampala, Brandon Bradbury (Declan Eratt-Thompson 46), Charlie Hughes (Conor Washington 46), Zak Goodson, Jed Abbey. Subs not used: Reuben Outram, Dylan Parkin, Louie Watts
Goals: Goodson 82
Assists: Elliott
Cautions: Milambo, Ceesay, Elliott
Referee: Jordan Lockwood
Attendance: 1025
