Deakin lauds Stafford as Boro eye further FA Cup success
Stafford Rangers manager Graham Deakin could not contain his pride after his side’s incredible 3-2 victory over Hereford in FA Cup second round qualifying - with the Boro eyeing further success in this season’s competition.
Over 3,000 fans witnessed a momentous occasion at the Stan Robinson Stadium, as the hosts recovered from going a goal behind to defeat the current leaders of the National League North.
The club’s reward is another home tie in third round qualifying, this time against Southern League Premier Central side Halesowen Town.
More than 2,750 tickets have already been purchased ahead of Saturday’s clash, and with another sell-out crowd expected, the town’s people have come out in their numbers to get behind the Step 4 high-flyers.
“As the manager of the football club and what I’ve just witnessed from the group of players we’ve put together over the summer, just immense pride," Deakin said in the aftermath of Stafford’s victory over Hereford.
The triumph was all the more impressive given there were late changes to the starting XI, with regular goalkeeper Russ Saunders forced to withdraw and Leon Phillips drafted in.
“It’s really difficult for him to come into the team when he wasn't starting originally,” Deakin said on Phillips.
“But that kid has shown some mental strength today to come in and perform how he’s performed. We could have been further ahead, but the times he made them saves were really important.”
Danny Waldron’s 22nd minute header gave Hereford a one-goal cushion at the break, but Stafford battled back superbly in the second half.
Scott Bakkor got the ball rolling to tap in the equaliser just after half-time, before his side took the lead from the penalty spot through Jack Birch inside the final 15 minutes.
Bakkor’s stunning second of the afternoon came only minutes later and extended the advantage.
Cawley Cox pulled one back to set up a tense finale, but Deakin’s side would not be denied a place in the next round, and a meeting with Step 3 Halesowen.
Speaking after Tuesday night’s 2-0 league win at Newcastle Town, Deakin added: “I’m looking forward to the occasion. It’s a fantastic day for the football club again, but my intention will be making sure that the group is right and the performance is right, taking the emotion out when we get on the pitch, and putting in a performance that the fans can be proud of.
“Hopefully we can come away with a win. It’ll be another tough test and Halesowen are a brilliant side. I’ve got a lot of respect for their manager, so we’re under no illusions of how difficult the task is going to be.
“If we turn up like we did [on Tuesday] and in the last round, then we’ll give anybody a game.”