Stafford Rangers striker Darrhyl Mason targets FA Cup upset as non-league side dream of Grimsby shock
The FA Cup is a competition built on unlikely stories, and Stafford Rangers are hoping to write another chapter this weekend. The eighth-tier outfit welcome League Two Grimsby Town to Marston Road, having already produced one of the competition’s biggest shocks to reach the first round proper.
Stafford booked their place with a remarkable 5-0 victory over National League side Gateshead, and confidence is growing that another upset could be possible.
Having played his part in that victory, Darrhyl Mason toldFootball Muse that his side are relishing the opportunity, with the dream of a meeting against even bigger opposition providing further motivation.
Stafford Rangers’ FA Cup journey gathers momentum
Stafford’s route to the first round has already provided a reminder of why the FA Cup remains so special. The eighth-tier side held Gateshead to a draw in the initial meeting before producing a stunning 5-0 victory in the replay at Marston Road.
“The first leg was a bit of a feeler game. They scored after a few minutes, we then scored a few minutes later, and from then on we had the better of the chances,” Mason told Football Muse.
“On the coach home, it felt like a defeat, which, after playing a team three leagues higher, shows how much confidence we took from it.
“The return leg at our place was electric. Marston Road was bouncing and, after we scored the first goal, it felt like we could score goals galore, hence the 5-0 drubbing…”
Having joined Stafford from Avro in the summer, Mason has quickly become part of a side enjoying a remarkable resurgence. Stafford finished 17th in the Northern Premier League West last season but are now pushing for promotion.
Mason scored 14 goals in 17 appearances to help Avro secure promotion last season, but was persuaded to remain in the division by Stafford’s history, support and ambitions.
“Last year was amazing at Avro, overachieving in a competitive league and getting promotion through the play-offs was a rollercoaster of a journey. I’ve had an affinity for Stafford for a number of years, playing at Marston Road a number of times, where the fanbase and ground really impressed me.
“I’ve had friends play here over the years, and I’ve always heard great things about the club. The gaffer, who was the first-team coach at the time, had tried to sign me on a number of occasions. After he kept them up last year and took on the permanent managerial role, everything aligned.”
The new signings have made an impact. Stafford sit second in the Northern Premier League West after a relegation battle last term. Mason believes the club’s cup run and league form have gone hand-in-hand.
“The feeling around camp is class. Everyone’s buzzing and can’t wait for the big game on Sunday. They have both worked in tandem so far, which is rare. You usually find that either your cup or domestic form withers.
“We’re obviously flying in the FA Cup and currently sitting second in the league, with a game in hand over the leaders. We’ve got real quality throughout the squad and there’s huge competition for places, which helps when you have so many fixtures in a short period of time.”
Stafford Rangers targeting another FA Cup upset against Grimsby
An FA Cup tie against Grimsby now awaits, in front of theTNT Sports cameras. The League Two side produced one of the most memorable cup upsets of recent times after eliminating Manchester United from the EFL Cup last season. Mason, however, believes a Stafford win this weekend could trump that shock.
“Grimsby knocked United out of the Carabao Cup last year, and that was deemed one of the biggest upsets in recent history. We’re currently four divisions below Grimsby. The fact we’re a non-league side, and not a professional outfit, means there’s an argument we could pull off the biggest upset in recent years.”
“You’d think it [Grimsby’s upset of Manchester United] will instil a sense of professionalism in them and ensure they don’t underestimate us. However, it could also add a few nerves, as they know an upset could be on the cards. That’s the beauty of the FA Cup!”
For Mason and Stafford, it’s clear the FA Cup has lost none of the prestige that top-flight fans often claim. The 32-year-old called the competition a ‘dream’ for non-league sides and has his sights set on a date with Premier League opponents down the line.
“The FA Cup, to all non-league teams, is a dream competition. As a kid, you used to dream of playing at Wembley and having a career in the Premier League.
“Obviously, we’re not going to win the FA Cup, but having the ability to showcase ourselves against professional teams is something that we can’t wait to get stuck into.
“Hopefully, with a bit of luck, we might be playing at Old Trafford a few more rounds down the line.”
