Rugby returned to league action at Marston Lane, but it did not bring a change in fortune, as they ultimately slipped to a heavy defeat to the current divisional leaders.

Having done well to hold Rangers to 0-0 at half time, the hosts stepped up a gear in the second period – including a three goal burst within a twelve minute spell.

Valley’s starting line-up showed two changes from the honourable FA Cup exit against Brackley, with Liam Roberts making a debut in goal, and Kevin Thornton returning to the midfield.

The home side nearly took the lead in the first minute, with Rob Parker stopping a shot on the line after a free header by Josh Craddock, and then not long after that Ben Haseley went on a marauding run before firing his twenty five yard effort just over the bar.

Haseley also dragged one wide after Levi Reid’s accurate cross had picked him out, and for Town Steve Towers flashed an effort across the face of the goal after Jon Adams had delivered the ball to him at the far post after an initial short corner routine.

Rugby’s best chance of the first half came on 27 minutes though, when a searching ball by Thornton was well taken in stride by David Kolodynski who laid it on for Jake Healy, but with just Stafford keeper Adam Whitehouse to beat, he took the ball a little too wide with his first touch, then his resulting shot lacked power and was easily saved.

The leaders took just five minutes to take the lead after the restart, when Matthew Wood's precise cross found Neil Harvey whose shot rebounded back to Nathan Rooney - who easily struck past the helpless Roberts.

They soon doubled their advantage when Haseley coolly slotted the ball home, after being put through by Rooney and being untroubled by the Rugby defence.

Rangers were now in complete control, and it was no surprise that they added a third on 62 minutes, with Sam Griffiths crossing a delightful ball to Rooney, who saw his tame shot squeeze over the line for his second of the game.

Callum Powell did his best to reduce the arrears with a rare shot on goal for Rugby late on - but Whitehouse comfortably saved, and Valley’s miserable afternoon was completed in the 90th minute when impressive substitute George Cater marked his debut with a splendid scoop over Roberts from Peter Till's pass - giving the scoreline a somewhat flattering feel to it in the process.

Valley Line-up: Roberts; Parker, Warburton, Rowley, Towers; Wilkins (Cartwright), Healy (Lake-Gaskin), Thornton (Walker), Adams; Kolodynski, Powell. Subs not used: Gray, Woods. Booked: Towers.

Stafford line-up: Whitehouse, Melbourne, Wood, Johnson, Daniel, Craddock, Reid, Rooney, Harvey, Haseley, Till.