STRATFORD Town dropped out of the play-off places following a 3-1 defeat away at Harborough Town.
The Bards trailed by three goals at the break before Callum Ebanks netted a consolation goal for the visitors just past the hour mark at Harborough Town Community Football Ground.
And the result means Stratford sit sixth in the Southern League Premier Central table, three points outside of the play-off places.
The Bards made the worst possible start as Alex Worley pushed Jutorre Burgess to the ground in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
And Ben Stephens converted the resulting penalty despite Jake Weaver diving the right way.
Harborough doubled their lead on 24 minutes as Luis Rose latched onto Josh Walsh’s long ball and coolly finished past the advancing Weaver from the edge of the penalty area.
The Bards looked to respond as Bees goalkeeper Elliott Taylor turned first-half substitute Charlie Williams’ effort over the crossbar.
However, the home side all but sealed the points in first-half injury time when Stephens drove into the box and fired a deflected effort into the net.
The visitors reduced the deficit on 65 minutes as Ebanks finished Dan Lafferty’s cutback from the right.
Stratford are next in action against Biggleswade Town on Saturday, March 22 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
