Stafford Rangers boss Steve Burr pleased to see young gun flourish

The youngster has adjusted very well to life at Northern Premier outfit Rangers after initially impressing on trial.

He scored in their 2-0 victory against Stalybridge Celtic – Boro boss Steve Burr’s old club – a couple of weeks ago and it is his first season at this high of a level.

“Joe has done well. He’s a young, raw talent,” said Burr, whose charges are on a four-match unbeaten run.

“He needs that bit of coaching – that bit of awareness – but he’s been a breath of fresh air for us, coming in from a lower level and being really eager to impress.

“I think he’s done really well, I’m happy, and I think he’ll be a really good player for us as he’ll continue to improve as the season goes on.”

Rangers will be without a key player for this encounter on Buxton’s artificial pitch.

They have another available, though, after he completed a one-match ban.

“We’ve lost Kyle Perry for a couple of weeks wit a groin injury that he picked up on Tuesday night (a 3-1 win against Witton Albion) so that is a blow for us,” added Burr.

“Josh Green went off with a bit of cramp on Tuesday as well as that was his first start of the season so we’ve got to look at that as well and see if he’s ready.

“The good news though is that we’ve got Jack Sherratt back after serving a suspension and he is an important player for us.”

On Boro’s recent form and the Buxton clash, assistant boss Andy Fearn said: “We’re building a hard-to-beat attitude – great spirit in the dressing room.

“We know quite a lot about Buxton and the management team there – Paul Phillips used to play in goal for Steve and I, a few years back at Stalybridge.

“He’s a winner and it’ll be a tough game. They’ve got some good players there and, of course, a newly-laid astro turf pitch. That might suit us given the fact that we train on astro turf.

“I think the form that we’re building and we’re showing stands us in good stead.”

Fearn also had some kind words for full-back James Askey, adding: “He’s been a revelation since he’s come in. He missed the early part of the season but he’s come in and I think – not wishing to put the mockers on him – we’ve won every game he’s played.”

Also in the division, Hednesford Town are looking to get back to winning ways after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Mickleover Sports on Tuesday night. Rob Smith’s Pitmen welcome Workington to Keys Park, having lost all three of their home games in the league so far.

They did beat Tamworth 2-0 there in the FA Cup last weekend though. Workington have lost all three on the road as well.

And in the Northern League West Division, Chasetown – having just been thrashed 8-2 by Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup – are out to bounce back at Droylsden. The Scholars are yet to win in the league.