STRATFORD Town entertain Spalding tomorrow (Saturday) after a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Royston Town last weekend.
The Bards broke down a well-organised opposition to claim the points and move into the play-off places in the Southern Premier Central.
Stratford made just one change from the previous match with Dan Lafferty replacing Owen James in the starting line-up.
Boss Gav Hurren chose to play without any recognised wide men, new signing Harry Leeson was on the bench and it was a special occasion for captain Paul McCone who made his 100th appearance for the club.
Despite the dank and damp afternoon in Hertfordshire, the floodlights were not employed until half-way through the opening half.
There was brightness on the pitch though from The Bards who had a lively start with Lafferty and Jack Storer both dispossessing the Crows’ full backs of the ball and quickly building attacks resulting in early crosses.
The Crows tested the Bards’ high line on numerous occasions early on and the home side’s first chance on 10 minutes saw a well-taken free kick headed goalward but keeper Jake Weaver saved.
The ball bounced around on a firm, narrow pitch with the main battles taking place in midfield.
In an unsavoury incident on 21 minutes McCone and Archie Locke came together on the edge of the box and, with the ball cleared and in the melee that followed, Locke appeared to stop the Bards captain from getting to his feet by kicking out at his head.
The referee declared he did not see the incident as the ball was at the other end of the pitch.
The goalless first half was a fair reflection with little quality but terrific endeavour from both sides and both defences on top form.
The only goal of the game came on 53 minutes from the enigmatic Storer. The hard working Lafferty, having his best game of the season, rode two tackles and managed to slip the ball to Storer who smashed the ball home from just inside the box.
Five minutes later, Storer headed on a ball for Callum Ebanks who shot over.
With 15 minutes left, the inevitable charge from the Crows arrived with the Bards’ box bombarded with crosses and some dangerous corners.
But Stratford, under the guidance of the experienced Chris Hussey and with nervous fans watching on, kept the Crows at bay until the end.
After the midweek matches, Stratford now lie fifth in the table, two points behind leaders Kettering Town. Three points separate the top eight.
Spalding, who sit just above the drop zone, head to the Arden Garages Stadium tomorrow (3pm) and, a day before Remembrance Sunday. Tributes will be paid to servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two world wars and other conflicts.
