SPIES from the Valley will wonder which version of Vics to expect next weekend.

The one that raced into a two-goals lead was sharp and clinical in converting chances to score, or another that was sloppy and charitable in its defending.

Both were in a spiky mood throughout an excellent encounter.

“We should have won,” was Andy Preece’s verdict afterwards.

Stafford, who rallied to rescue a point after a disastrous opening, probably felt the same after Nick Wellecomme slipped when he seemed certain to score the winner in the second half.

In the end both teams deserved their share of the spoils.

Preece’s mood was darker than that of his counterpart Chris Brindley though, particularly after Mark Danks saw red for striking Ashley Wooliscroft in the face with his elbow.

But as is oft the case, the team with one less player ended the contest a more likely winner.

Vics thought they had pinched the points five minutes from the final whistle, but Wayne Riley’s free kick came back off the post after swerving past every player in a packed penalty area.

The best action was crammed into a breathless opening half hour.

Jon Newby, goalless in the league this term, crashed an angled shot into the far corner on seven minutes after Michael Connor had carved open the hosts’ defence with a clever pass.

Vics lead was doubled two minutes later, Danks gleefully blasting the ball through Evans’ legs after Jake Moult had failed to spot him when trying to head a backpass to his keeper.

There seemed no way back for Stafford.

Jonny Allan squeezed a shot the wrong side of the upright from Riley’s corner as the visitors continued to control the play.

Rangers went route one to halve their deficit, Evans’ huge punt laid off by Ben Mills for Tom Thorley to take a touch before drilling a perfectly placed shot past Curtis Aspden.

Vics should have restored their two-goals advantage, Connor once more splitting the defence with a measured pass only for Allan to shoot feebly off target when one-on-one with Evans.

Calamity followed.

Mat Bailey willed an long through ball over the goalline, but he did not account for Levi Reid’s determination and the diminutive wide man picked the former Crewe Alexandra defender’s pocket.

His cross was helped over the line by Mills.

Connor blasted wide and Allan headed straight at Evans, then Wellecomme drilled into the side netting after Bailey had blocked his initial shot.

Danks can have little cause for complaint after he raised his arm to connect with Wooliscroft’s face, leaving referee Oliver Yates with an easy decision to make.

Wellecomme then fluffed a glorious chance to cap the hosts’ comeback.

He muscled past Simon Grand to race onto Mills’ flick, taking the ball around Aspden only to fall over when he needed to apply the finishing touch.

Those in black and white at Marston Road shouted for a spot kick. Wellecomme, pertinently, did not.

Vics rallied, Mike Aspin sending a dipping drive inches over the bar after D’Laryea had laid off.

Bobby Wilson headed straight at Aspden from Thorley’s corner, but Rangers failed to find any momentum to make their extra man count.

Riley’s set piece struck the post, but Vics did not come closer.

They have now drawn on each of their past two away days, both times dropping points according to Preece.

He must now plot a way past League One giants Charlton.

Star Man Jon Newby. His best match in a Vics shirt to date. Buoyed by opening the scoring, the former Morecambe front man was a constant threat with his movement off the ball and ability to bring fellow forwards into the attack. A cert to start against Charlton Athletic next week.

Stafford Evans (GK), Wooliscroft, Udoji, Wilson, Vauls, Andre Francis, Moult, Thorley, Reid, Mills (Eugene Francis 87), Wellecomme
Subs not used Hulme, Rogers, Brindley, Lunn
Goals Thorley 24, Mills 27
Booked Mills (foul), Vauls (handball)

Vics Aspden (GK), Aspin, Bailey, Grand, Brown, Connor, D’Laryea, Riley, Newby, Allan, Danks
Sub not used Kerr, Vaughan, Winter, Herring, Taylforth
Goals Newby 7, Danks 9
Booked Grand, Connor (both fouls), Allan (dissent)
Sent off Danks (violent conduct)

Referee Oliver Yates (Newcastle)
Attendance 627