REPORT: STAFFORD RANGERS 0-1 UNITED

Toby Ritzema’s fine strike in first-half stoppage time was enough to secure a vital win away at Stafford Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

With seconds of the first period remaining, Ritzema took aim from the angle of the area to curl sumptuously into the far corner to seal a crucial win at the foot of the table.

Nathan Tyson registered the first shot within 18 seconds but could only trickle a tame effort wide of Cameron Belford’s post.

With very little to report on an unnoteworthy first period, Tyson then turned provider when he set up Ritzema who failed to worry Belford on a bobbly Marston Road surface.

The best chance went the visitor’s way on 25 minutes when the ever-lively Rev James broke to set up Thomas though – and not helped by the pitch – he could only curl well over.

But the upped pressure paid dividends with the last action of the first half when United took the lead.

Another quick break forward gave Thomas space to put on a plate for Ritzema who curled superbly through bodies and the unsighted Belford into the far corner.

Minutes after the restart, Stafford had a half-hearted claim for a penalty before Kieran Preston was called into his first real piece of action.

First, he saved well from Tyreace Onyeka before an even better stop denied Sean Cooke’s low hit which allowed James to storm up-field.

Laying off to Jack Lewis, his dangerous cross saw Thomas control well and take aim but a strike that beat Belford was hacked off the line by the retreating Jake Moult.

Taking a back step, Stafford threw the metaphoric kitchen sink in the latter stages but found a stubborn Preston, and a rearguard in front of him, on their very best form.

Jake Moult’s unmarked header was the closest they came to a late equaliser, but he could only direct AJ Leitch-Smith’s cross wide as Basford hung on to claim huge points and seal back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.REPORT: STAFFORD RANGERS 0-1 UNITED

UNITED: Preston; Roma, Wilder, Fenton (c), Frizelle; Thomas, Lewis, Ritzema (Barnes 66’), James; Tyson (Wafula 75’), Campbell
SUBS (not used): Betts, Tomlin, Goddard

ATT: 619 [21 away]