RANGERS' disappointing start to life in the West Midlands division one, both from results but more importantly performance level, continued on Saturday at home to Stafford Town.

MALVERN RANGERS 2, STAFFORD TOWN 4

Not for the first time this season, they gave the opposition a big lead before staging some sort of recovery.

After nine minutes a free-kick on the right saw Neil Bond challenge in the box but he was penalised before Andrew Fletcher headed straight at keeper Paul Burn.

Five minutes later and it was 1-0 to Stafford. From a left-sided attack the ball was slipped inside and centre-forward Michael Fox had the easy chance to open the scoring.

Just one minute later and Stafford were gifted a second goal. An innocuous ball into the box saw total confusion between Alex Jellyman and keeper Steve Newman and Michael Fox grabbed his second goal.

Three minutes before the interval Stafford scored again. A long ball out of defence took Mark Taylor out of the game, keeper Steve Newman committed himself far too early leaving Michael Fox the easy chance to complete his hat-trick.

Fifteen minutes into the second half and Rangers should have reduced the arrears when Ollie Endacott did well on the right but from close-in Rob Perrins blasted the ball over the crossbar.

Within four minutes and it was 4-0. Jon Buckham chased for a ball forward on the right, Newman was slow off his line and the ball was in the back of the net.

After 26 minutes a cross into the box saw Sam Black head over when well placed.

Six minutes and Rangers did reduce the deficit. Sam Black cut inside the box and fell over the ball but the assistant referee adjudged a penalty. Rob Cullen scored with a degree of confidence not befitting his side's overall performance.

One minute later and it was 4-2. A Mark Taylor cross into the box saw Dave Perera have his shot saved before heading the rebound home but Rangers had left themselves too much to do.

Man of the match was Neil Bond.

HINTON 3, MALVERN RANGERS 0

THE previous Tuesday evening Rangers gave without a doubt their worst performance to date and indeed for some while.

Conceding a goal in the first half, the home side doubled their advantage early in the second half before scoring a third in stoppage time.

The nearest Rangers came to scoring was through substitute Mark Taylor who shot wide after having done the hard work to create an opening for himself.

Man of the match was Andrew Fletcher.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers sponsored by the Cross Keys, entertain Tenbury United in a division one fixture, kick-off 2.45pm, players to meet at the ground 1.30pm.