BORO BEATEN BY THE BLUES

On the back of two disappointing results, this on paper looked to be a very stern test for Leek Town, as the tie was away against the current Senior Cup holders who ply their trade in the division above Leek. However, that was not the case and after the first 20 minutes Leek took control of the game with three counter attack goals and then saw the rest of the game out with little incident.

Neil Baker took the opportunity to rotate his forward line with starts for Aaron Opoku, Rob Stevenson & Lucas Baker. There was also a first selection as substitute for Lewis Grimley. Olly Harrison was selected ahead of his one match ban and Jesse Bavanganga returned to the starting eleven.

Stafford Rangers also took the opportunity to rotate their squad with starts for Jack Baxter, Luis Morrison, Tyreece Onyeka, Ethan Morgan and new signing Nathan Blisset.

Stafford Rangers had the better of the earlier encounters with a direct approach and several "Delapeque" type throws from Captain Tom Tonks. This resulted in several punches away from Roberts and a barrage of long throws and corners putting the Blues defence under pressure, there was also an early chance for Callum Saunders who just pulled his shot wide of the goal.

This was the pattern for the first 20minutes and again Stafford had another good chance as they broke down the right through Onyeka, who junked inside and unleashed a terrific shot which Roberts did well to tip over for a corner.

On 22 minutes the deadlock was broken as the ball was played quickly to Aaron Opoku with his back to goal, he turned and held off his marker to unleash a screamer of a shot from the left side edge of the area into the roof of the net. Belford was at full stretch and despite getting a finger tip to the shot could not keep it out. This was against the general run of play but the finish was of the highest quality.

Stafford renewed their efforts and the game became very competitive in the centre of the pitch , the midfield duo of Grocott & Reeves marshalling the game well with Baker and Davidson playing wider and pressing.

On 32 minutes it was 2-0 to Leek as once again the ball was played to Opoku who flicked the ball on, the Rangers defender O'Neill then attempted to pass the ball back to Belford but under hit his pass for Rob Stevenson to intercept and slot calmly past the keeper. Leek had rode their luck a little and defended well under pressure. Opoku was proving a thorn Rangers side as he squeezed another shot off to give Leek a corner.

The game continued to ebb and flow, Leek did not need to be too ambitious due to the nature of the two goal lead. The game was all but over just before half time with another solo effort from Aaron Opoku. He advanced down the right and unleashed a shot from just inside the area, Belford smothered this but Opoku was far more alert than the Rangers defenders and powerfully dispatched the rebound into the net. A remarkable goal given he was the only Leek player in the box and was surrounded by seven defenders and the goal keeper.

STAFFORD RANGERS 0 - LEEK TOWN 3 HT

With a three goal lead and an eye on the league campaign all Leek needed to do was to see the game out. There was an early scare just after the start of the second half as Tom Tonks was fouled by Scott Wara which resulted in a caution and tame free kick. The game remained competitive but scrappy with very few clear cut chances. The Leek defence performing well as a unit and seldom looking under pressure.

Neil Baker used the final quarter of the game to rotate players and he chose to include Carr, Grice and Billington as the clock ran down. The final whistle was greeted with applause from the travelling Blues faithful who had witnessed a terrific first half and understandably a mediocre second.

So the Blues progress to the semi-finals of the Staffordshire Senior Cup with an impressive victory against current holders Stafford Rangers, in fact the Boro had won the trophy for the last four consecutive seasons and had held it since 2017, with a two season break for covid.

STAFFORD RANGERS 0 - LEEK TOWN 3 FT

Leek return back to league action on Saturday with a tough tie against City of Liverpool.

Tickets can be purchased HERE

REPORT BYMORENEWSFROMNOWHERE

Leek Town line up as follows

1. Roberts
2. Bavanganga
3. Keenan
4. Grocott (c)
5. Harrison
6. Wara
7. Davidson
8. Reeves
9. Opoku replaced by Grice (81)
10. Baker-Smith replaced Carr (74)
11. Stevenson replaced by Billington (85)

Substitutes : Grimley, Trickett-Smith (unused)
Attendance : 245