ASHLEY SAMMONS scored a stunning long-range goal as Stratford Town secured a 1-0 win against Hednesford Town to extend their unbeaten run to six matches.
Sammons let fly from 25-yards out on 73 minutes to decide a closely fought contest at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The result means Stratford have moved up to 10th in the Southern League Premier Central table, 11 points clear of safety.
After their weekend clash with Hitchin Town was postponed due to the effects of Storm Eunice, the Bards made a good start with Leroy Lita twice denied by Hednesford goalkeeper Joe O’Shaugnessy.
However, Stratford keeper Liam O’Brien then made a superb save to parry Reece Flanagan’s drive from the edge of the penalty area to safety.
And the Bards rode their luck in the second period when O’Brien made another fine stop to deny Carter Lycett before Andre Landell shot wide when presented with a golden opportunity.
But Tim Flowers’ side made the breakthrough when Sammons produced a trademark thunderbolt that went in off the inside of the post to leave O’Shaugnessy with no chance.
There was still time for O’Brien to make an important stop when he pushed the ball away from George Cater as the Hednesford player attempted to take the ball around him in injury-time.
The two teams will meet again in the reverse fixture in just under a fortnight’s time.
Stratford are next in action away at Needham Market on Saturday, February 26 with kick-off at 3pm at Bloomfields.
