Match Report: Stafford Rangers (h)

The Motors put an end to their recent bad form with a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Stafford Rangers on the final day of the season, but results elsewhere on the day meant they were fell just short the play off places. 

In front of a bumper crowed of friends, families, and a fair few Stafford supporters in an array of American based fancy dress attire, the first half's offerings were few and far between. Samuel Mann forced Stafford keeper Scott Moloney into an early save with a few minutes gone, and a fine Finley Heath free kick was dealt with before a hot weather drinks break brought proceedings to a pause midway through the first half. 

The away sides best chance of the half came though a corner that winger Matt Hearsey could only divert wide instead of threatening the home sides goal. 

The weather was not the only thing heating up on the day, with Stafford defender Ashley Fallon seeing red for a bad tackle just before the half time interval. 

It was always going to be a tough ask for both Lower Breck and Bootle's results to favour the Motors,  all that could be asked from the home side was to do their part on the day, and they duly obliged, first through veteran striker Kevin Ellison, who netted his 12th league goal of the campaign, an incredible return for the 47 year old. 

Motors doubled their lead just before the hour mark, forward Connor Harwood letting fly from outside the box and leaving the keeper with little chance. 

As the other results on the day were being passed around, the rest of the game was played out in glorious sunshine and a friendly spirit, and a lap of honour at the end was thoroughly applauded by all that stayed to soak up the atmosphere (and a few well deserved drinks). 

At the end of the day the Motors finished the season in 7th place, just 3 points off the final play-off spot. 

It will be an off-season of asking “what might have been”, but the players and staff can all be proud that they are firmly at the right end of the table after another season. 

#upthemotors