After five straight away outings picking up one win, one draw and three losses, The Bucks finally return to The Berry Street Garage Stadium as they face Stafford Rangers.
By Brendan Doyle
Following a rough patch of five away games running, Bootle hope to kick off October with a win against our visitors Stafford Rangers. Bootle’s last win was a 2-1 victory away to Witton Albion but have since suffered back to back defeats against Wythenshawe Town (4-2) and Clitheroe (5-3) despite taking the lead in both games. Mick McGraa and his side will be desperate to put their recent form right in front of their home fans by picking up all three points with a clinical performance.
Stafford Rangers have only picked up two wins so far in their league campaign and sit near the bottom end of the table whilst teams below them have games in hand. It’s to say Stafford Rangers haven’t had the ideal start to life in the North West Counties Division One with having eight points in nine games and former manager Dave Cooke departing the club after a 4-0 home defeat to Widnes last Saturday. Despite their misfortunes so far, a win today for the visitors would certainly boost the morale of the whole club and could see them separating themselves from the relegation areas.
Club Fact File:
Founded: 1876
The Manager: Following Dave Cooke’s recent departure, assistant manager Dale Belford has stepped up to the manager role. Dale Belford has previously managed Tamworth, Atherstone Town, Rugby Town and Hinckley AFC, this is his fifth job as a manager.
The Ground: In the 2006–07 season Rangers had an average attendance of over 1000.
On 14 December 2018 the new Shed End (a covered terrace at the far side of the ground) was completed and opened in a league game against local rivals Hednesford Town, with the Boro winning the game 4–1. The Shed End was a fan led project. Fans are now raising money for a cantilever stand at the Social Club End. Following its completion, the ground will have cover on all sides. Prior to the 2019–20 season a group of fans renovated two unused rooms at the football ground to create a new Fans Bar. The Fans Bar is open to home and away fans on match days. During November 2019 the club had the away turnstiles refurbished, this also included new exit gates and new fencing being erected, the club's car park situated at the front of the ground was fully tarmacked, replacing a rubble surface.
As of August 2023, Marston Road has been renamed The Stan Robinson Stadium, due to a new sponsorship deal with the haulage company of the same name. This is due to the loyalty and support Stan Robinson showed over many years.
Recent Honours:
Northern Premier League Division One South Winners 2015/16
Staffordshire Senior Cup Winners 2014/15, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2021/22
Buy your tickets in advance through the link here.
Can't make it to the Berry Street Garage Stadium? Listen to our Live Commentary from14:55 on Saturday through the link here.