STRATFORD Town inched closer to safety with a 1-1 draw against Barwell despite finishing the game with 10-men after Will Grocott’s second-half dismissal.
The Bards fell behind to Benjamin Hart’s early opener before Charlie Williams levelled shortly before half time at the Arden Garages Stadium.
And Stratford had a chance to win the game in the second period only for Grocott to see his effort saved by Andrew Wycherley before he was then sent off for a challenge on the keeper as he slid to meet the rebound.
The result means Stratford sit 18th in the Southern League Premier Central table, two points clear of the drop zone with a game in hand on the team below them.
Barwell took the lead on nine minutes when Hart produced an impressive finish at the near post from Beck-Ray Enoru’s pass.
Stratford equalised on 39 minutes when Williams fired home from the edge of the penalty area after he drove in-field from the left.
And the Bards were awarded a penalty on 74 minutes when Wycherley attempted to punch clear and made contact with both the ball and Williams.
However, Wycherley saved Grocott’s tame penalty low down to his left and was then caught by Grocott as the pair raced to reach the loose ball with the Stratford player shown a straight red card.
Stratford are next in action at home to Redditch United TONIGHT (Tuesday, April 4) with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
