CYRUS Bruce scored a late goal with his first touch of the game as Stratford Town claimed a 1-0 home victory against struggling Worcester City.
Bruce made an immediate impact off the bench to earn the Bards a third straight win in all competitions at the Arden Garages Stadium.
And the result means Stratford sit 11th in the Southern League Premier Central table.
The Bards made a fast start as Fin Brennan and Lewis Ludford-Ison combined to test Worcester goalkeeper Harley Price.
And Owen James twice went down in the box towards the end of the first half although the referee waved away Stratford’s appeals.
James spurned a golden chance to break the deadlock after the break when well-placed in the box from Jack Storer’s cross.
However, James’ replacement Bruce won the game with his very first touch on 76 minutes.
The striker produced a precise yet emphatic header beyond Price in the Worcester goal from Henry Landers’ cross.
And the Bards comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to seal a third successive home victory in the league.
Stratford are next in action against Stamford on Saturday, October 18 with kick-off at 3pm at the Zeeco Stadium.
