Stafford Rangers 1 Nantwich Town 0
NANTWICH Town completed a disappointing Easter weekend with only a point after defeat at Stafford Rangers on Monday.
Keeper Steven James had to be in top form to earn the Dabbers a point at home to Matlock on Good Friday, with Alex Frost heading home an equaliser in the second half after Danny Holland’s opener.
But a single Saul Henderson goal was enough for already-relegated Stafford to take the points three days later, Dabbers’ Evo-Stik Northern Premier League top flight future remains safe despite their recent slump.
Alex Meaney was the Dabbers’ main threat throughout and was he who mustered the game’s first shot after three minutes, a 25 yarder that keeper Andrew Jones had to push away for a corner.
Henderson fired over from distance at the other end for Rangers, but Nantwich again went close as Jones saved with his legs from former Rangers defender Andy White.
Aaron Burns directed another chance wide of Jones’ near post after Nick Haughton had beaten Darren Bullock, but neither side was able to break the deadlock before half time.
Jack Edwards went close to opening his Rangers account after the interval when his header rattled a post, before Dabbers’ Max Harrop latched on to Burns’ flick but was unable to beat the keeper.
However, it was to be Henderson who would break the deadlock on 64 minutes after Levi Reid fed James McCarthy and he laid the ball for the tall striker to curl home.
Rangers stopper Jones then saved a long range free kick from Burns, who then ballooned an effort over the bar after he was presented an opportunity by Rangers’ defence.
Nantwich went in search of the equaliser but Harry Clayton could only head into the side netting in the final minute.
Dabbers Steve James (GK), Oliver Devanney, Andy White, Andy Keogh (Ben Deegan 61), Earl Davis (Peter Green 67), Sam Wilson, Nick Haughton (Harry Clayton 59), Mark Jones, Aaron Burns, Alex Meaney, Max Harrop. Subs not used Phil Eastwood, Alex Frost.
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