STRATFORD Town suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against League One side Burton Albion who fielded a strong team at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The Bards more than matched their third tier opponents as they ramped up their preparations for the new season against Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s men.
And the Bardy Army populated the new stand on the far side of the stadium in their numbers as they cast their eye over the club’s summer recruits for the first time.
Stratford started well as Ash Sammons forced Burton goalkeeper Ben Garratt into an early save from a long-range effort.
However, Albion took the lead on 26 minutes when Davis Keillor-Dunn smashed an effort past Liam O’Brien from 25-yards out.
The Bards responded well and drew level on 40 minutes when Josh Hawker’s deflected effort beat Garratt after the keeper punched a corner into his path on the edge of the penalty area.
Burton made wholesale changes on the hour mark whilst Sammonds was replaced in the first half for Stratford after picking up a knock.
The home side spurned a series of chances to take the lead as Jack Storer’s shot was deflected onto the bar before Will Grocott’s follow-up hit the post.
And Burton made Stratford pay for those missed chances when substitute Louis Moult found the top corner from Charlie Williams’ through ball on 82 minutes to win the game for the Brewers.
Stratford are next in action at home to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, July 9 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
