Thornton nets winner for Valiants

The 23-year-old playmaker, who has previously played under Vale boss Micky Adams at Coventry and Brighton, was a constant threat before finishing coolly past Stafford goalkeeper Lee Evans four minutes from time. Rangers acquitted themselves well against league opposition and Valiants keeper Stuart Tomlinson, another trialist, had to save sharply from Nick Wellecombe and Luke Morgan, while Andy Owens' header rattled the visitors' crossbar after 48 minutes.