Stafford Rangers Target FA Cup First Round After Gateshead Draw

Stafford Rangers will host Gateshead at Marston Road on Tuesday night in an FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay, aiming to reach the first round for the first time in 20 years. The Staffordshire club drew 1-1 away against the National League side and expects another large attendance as it pursues a place in the next stage.

According to BBC reporting published October 19, Stafford Rangers have already attracted crowds of around 3,000 twice during their cup campaign. Victory in the replay would secure a first-round tie against League Two side Grimsby Town, following the televised draw on Monday evening.

The club's current ground capacity is 3,130, according to chief executive David Smith, who said officials were discussing a possible increase with the local council. The anticipated attendance would also provide a significant financial boost and generate enthusiasm across Stafford.

Smith told BBC Radio Stoke, "The limit is currently 3,130. That is the maximum we could get in. But we have got a meeting with the local council to see if we can increase that number."

Stafford Rangers have attracted substantial support throughout their FA Cup run, with the prospect of three consecutive crowds of approximately 3,000 highlighting the impact of their progress. Smith emphasized the wider importance of the response from supporters.

"Whatever happens, it will be 3,000 crowds three games running - and that's massive. For the club, financially, it's superb. But the big thing is what it's doing for the town."

He also described strong demand for tickets as excitement built around the replay. The club was working to manage arrangements for spectators, including restrictions on selling beer pitchside because Gateshead compete at Step One of the non-league football system.

"There is a real buzz about Stafford. Tickets are selling so quick it's unbelievable."

Smith acknowledged the operational challenge but said the club intended to ensure supporters could access refreshments during the event.

"We've now hit a problem that, with Gateshead being a Step One side, we're not allowed to sell beer on the pitchside."

He added that arrangements were being made to accommodate the expected crowd.

"But we'll be organised. We'll find a solution. We'll make sure everybody is fed and watered properly."

Manager Graham Deakin said Stafford Rangers had demonstrated their ability to compete against a club from a higher level after the first meeting in the northeast. Despite the draw, he believed his players had performed well enough to win.

"I'm proud that we've gone up there and competed with a Step One side, but I'm just disappointed that we didn't win. We were told by so many that we should have done. That's testimony to the confidence we have created, that we could go up there to Gateshead, get a result and still be disappointed. But, back at Marston Road in front of a bumper crowd, let's see what happens."

Deakin said his immediate priority was preparing his team for the replay rather than considering potential first-round opponents. The winner will face Grimsby Town in the next round.

Stafford Rangers last reached this stage of the competition in 2020, when they lost 4-1 at home to Skelmersdale United. The club, which won the FA Trophy twice during its prominence in the 1970s, now competes in the eighth tier and sits fifth in the Northern Premier League Division One West.

Gateshead arrived for the replay after a 1-1 draw that extended Stafford's cup campaign. The National League side had ended a run of eight consecutive defeats in midweek but had recorded just one victory in 17 matches that season, according to The Non-League Football Paper's October 17 report.