Motors move clear of the dreaded drop

Dec 12 2008 Chester Chronicle

Stafford Rangers 0 Vauxhall Motors 1

DEFENDER Rob Marsh-Evans was the goal hero as Motors took three points off financially stricken Stafford on Saturday.

Former Chester City player Marsh- Evans’ neat strike midway through the second half secured the spoils to open up a four-point gap between Vauxhall and the relegation places.

With striker Karl Noon out injured, manager Carl Macauley opted to play a 4-5-1 formation with Saul Otobo ploughing a lone furrow up front. Tactically this paid off as the visitors defended deep, hitting Stafford on the break where they could.

Rangers striker David McNiven wasted a great opportunity for the cash-strapped side on 20 minutes when he was left unmarked 10 yards out, pulling his shot wide when he should have done better

Vauxhall keeper James Coates was the busier of the two custodians and he pulled off a string of fine saves. When he was eventually beaten, the woodwork repelled Andre Francis’ bullet header.

The Motormen’s decisive effort came in the 72nd minute when Marsh-Evans went on a driving run from his own half.

He took the ball deep into Stafford territory before laying it off to Otobo on the edge of the box.

Otobo held the ball up well before returning it to the defender, who slid the ball neatly into the bottom corner of the net to secure all three points with a finish any striker would be proud of.

Stafford wasted their best opportunity to level after 86 minutes when Jake Moult picked out McNiven unmarked at the back post, but he somehow glanced his header wide from six yards out.

There is no game for Motors tomorrow. Their next game is at home on Saturday, December 20 to Harrogate Town (3pm).

Motors are looking for a trainee physio to work on a voluntary basis with the first team and assist the club’s current physio.

They would also be required to help out on training nights – Tuesdays and Thursdays (7pm-9pm).

The post would be ideal for someone who is currently working on a physiotherapy course to gain some practical experience.

Anyone interested should send their CV to club chairman Alan Bartlam at Vauxhall Motors FC, Motassist Arena, Rivacre Road, Ellesmere Port CH66 1NJ.