FA Cup fever in Stafford as Rangers host League Two Grimsby Town
The Boro are in the first round proper for the first time in 20 years
Semi-professional Stafford Rangers are hoping to cause a major FA Cup upset this lunchtime, when League Two side Grimsby Town visit the Stan Robinson Stadium.
The first round tie is being shown live on TV, putting the club and the town of Stafford on a national stage.
It is the first time in 20 years the Boro have reached the first round proper, according to the club.
The club says there is a real sense of excitement building across Stafford.
The road to the first round
Stafford Rangers booked their place with a 5-0 win over National League side Gateshead.
The club says that game was played in front of another sell-out crowd at the Stan Robinson Stadium.
Now they face a League Two club in front of the TV cameras.
The club says the cup run has brought a surge of goodwill and engagement from supporters, people in the town and local businesses.
It says it has been particularly encouraged by the backing of its sponsors, commercial partners, volunteers and supporters.
Manager Graham Deakin and his players take to the pitch today, and the club says they know an entire community is behind them.
The club also says the national exposure is a chance to raise its profile, attract new commercial partners and strengthen existing relationships.
What the club says
David Smith, Chief Executive of Stafford Rangers, said: "This is a hugely exciting time for Stafford Rangers, and everyone connected with the club should feel immensely proud of what has been achieved."
He also said: "Reaching the First-Round Proper of the FA Cup is a fantastic milestone and to welcome Grimsby Town to Stafford, with the match being broadcast live on national television, is something very special for the club, our supporters and the town as a whole."
Mr Smith said: "What has been particularly rewarding is the response from the community. We have received incredible support from our fans, sponsors, volunteers and local businesses. Their encouragement and belief in what we are trying to achieve has been fantastic and I would like to thank every one of them for playing a part in this journey."
He added: "While we are taking time to enjoy this moment, we are also looking firmly towards the future. We are ambitious about what Stafford Rangers can become. We want to strengthen our position on and off the pitch, grow our supporter base, develop new partnerships and continue building a club that Stafford can be proud of."
He also said: "This is Stafford's football club, and there has never been a better time for the community and local businesses to get behind the Boro."
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