Paget Rangers take the stage in the Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round on Saturday, travelling to the Beehive to take on Hellenic League Division One outfit Studley.
The club face a Studley side second in the Hellenic League Division One, step 6, where they have won five and lost three. They are currently nine points behind league leaders FC Stratford. The Bees, founded in 1971, won their first game 3-1 away at Clanfield, before losing 3-2 at home to Pershore Town. They were 5-0 winners against Cirencester Town Development, prior to a midweek 2-1 defeat at Moreton Rangers. Studley smashed Bourton Rovers 8-0 before losing to Littleton 3-2. Since the defeat they have won both their games, 2-1 at Hereford Pegasus and 3-2 against Milton United. Wide man Alfie Bloomer is their top scorer with 11 goals. Lewis Marston and Will Beech have both been sent off for the Bees. This season, they have added to their ranks experienced goalkeeper Ryan Young, ex Chasetown, and former Walsall, Solihull Moors, Worcester City and Stourbridge forward Jordan Murphy this season, the latter scoring three goals in as many games.
The Bears have impressed in their last few outings. They go into the game after picking up a fantastic point in a 1-1 draw at home to second placed Darlaston Town 1874 after Louie Newbold’s goal put them ahead. The performances have been solid and Rangers have been playing some great football under Steve Walker.
The Gaffer spoke with us this week, here are his thoughts… “
Goalkeeper coach Ryan Pratt stated “we were ecstatic with the performance against Darlaston on Tuesday, the lads carried out their roles superbly. The team spirit and the buzz in the dressing room is high and we have had a good Thursday night of training and we are now all raring to go for the Vase. On the goalkeeping front, Dylan Manderacas has come into the eleven and been immense and has staked a claim at the number one shirt. I am chuffed to bits with the performances and graft and long may it continue.”
Vice captain Ryan Butler spoke about Tuesday’s game and looked ahead to our FA Vase tie. “We have set the standard for the performances over the last few games, everyone has worked really hard to improve their performance. We are buzzing for Saturday, I can’t wait to get out on the pitch. Confidence is so high in the camp.”
Ryan receiving his Man of the Match award from Club President Tony Bradley after a stellar performance against Darlaston.
In this competition the furthest Paget have reached is the Fourth Round, when they lost to Wisbech Town, going down to one goal during the 1988/89 season. Last season the club reached the First Round, having beaten Wolverhampton Casuals and Chelmsley Town in the qualifying rounds prior, where they lost at home to Radford. We hope to go on a cup run this season, it’ll be fantastic if you can get down to support the club!
The game is on the 4G at the Beehive, Abbeyfields Drive, Studley, B80 7BF. Admission is £6 for adults, £3 for concessions. See you there!