Maltby Main (Away), Saturday September 16, Muglet Lane, Toolstation NCEL Premier Division, Kick off – 3pm

By Neil Winsor

Photo: Paddy Kenny pictured signing for Northampton Town, 12 months ago joined Main in the summer but is unlikely to feature for the visit of Rangers this weekend

HALL Road Rangers make the relatively short journey to face early season NCEL Premier Division high-fliers Maltby Main as they look to carry forward the momentum gained from last weekend’s FA Vase win to help them return to winning ways in the league.

After creating the better chances at home to AFC Mansfield last Tuesday evening Rangers slipped to an Ollie Fearon second half strike, but returned to professionally see off a game Gedling MW in Saturday’s FA Vase tie, thanks to new acquisition Fraser Hansen and defender Louis Bruce opening their goal scoring accounts for the club.

This weekend’s opponents sit in fourth place ahead of the midweek fixtures and even caused a stir in the close season when they snapped up former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

Although Kenny’s involvement for Saturday is unclear and unlikely, the signing is a clear indication of Main’s ambitions for the 2017-2018 season. Kenny, now aged 39 made his debut in the 1-0 defeat at Worksop Town on August 12, but had to be substituted after 11 minutes through injury.

After an indifferent start, Maltby have roared up the NCEL Premier Division with a run of six games which has seen them win five in all competitions and pick up a creditable point at Garforth Town.

Rangers will definitely be without Matt Crane who is ruled out for the next three months following a broken ankle.

With tonight’s game against Liversedge postponed due to the re-scheduling of their FA Vase tie with Prestwich Heys, the days ahead will provide the opportunity for players to stake their claim for a starting place at training.