Express & Star

Stafford Rangers chiefs delighted with Senior Cup triumph

Joint bosses Alex Meechan and Andy Fearn are delighted to have capped off Stafford Rangers’ turnaround by retaining the Staffordshire FA Senior Cup.

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They comfortably beat Rushall Olympic 3-0 at Stoke City’s bet365 Stadium to successfully defend the crown for the first time in 46 years.

Dan Burns scored before Jake Charles grabbed a brace for Rangers, who have rediscovered their mojo under Meechan and Fearn.

They took over in the wake of Steve Burr’s resignation midway through the Northern Premier season, and Meechan said: “We were excellently organised.

“The attitude of the players was everything we asked for.

“They have taken everything on board and shown how far we have come since Christmas, not only with our league form but by getting a bit of silverware.”

Boro thoroughly deserved the win. It is the 13th time they have won the competition.

“There was a little bit of pressure with us winning it last year, but we won it emphatically,” said Fearn.

“It is a reward for all the fans, the board, anyone associated with Stafford Rangers.

“It is a reward for the hard work of the players.”

Rushall chief Liam McDonald conceded Rangers were much the better team.

“We were beaten by the much better team, all over the park,” he added.

“They deserved it. They have comfortably beaten us.

“We just got beat by the better team, but we've had a good season (finishing eighth in the Southern Central). It is what it is.”