STRATFORD Town saw their three-game winning run come to an end after the Bards lost 1-0 at home to play-off rivals Redditch United.
The Reds scored the game’s only goal on 67 minutes as Alex Cameron finished into an empty net from close range at the Arden Garages Stadium.
And the result means Stratford sit fourth in the Southern League Premier Central table, two points inside the play-off places with three games left to play.
The visitors almost took the lead when Reece Flanagan saw his stunning half volley from 40-yards out bounce onto the crossbar with Callum Smith beaten.
And Smith then made a superb fingertip save to help Cameron’s header over the crossbar before Musa Ceesay headed over from the resulting corner.
The Bards went close at the other end as Dan Lafferty saw his close range effort cleared off the line by Matthew Fulloway.
Stratford goalkeeper Smith made another save to keep out Jordan Cranston’s powerful drive from distance before gathering the loose ball at the second attempt.
Cranston then curled a free-kick narrowly over the bar before Alex Worley sent a teasing cross into the box at the other end which evaded everybody in orange.
After the break, Reds goalkeeper Adam Harrison bravely claimed the ball at the feet of Andre Landell as the striker looked to take it around the Redditch stopper when one-on-one.
However, the Reds took the lead when Harrison sent a long kick up the pitch and Smith failed to claim the bouncing ball as Cameron finished into the unguarded net from close range.
The Bards turned a shot inches past the post in their search for an equaliser before Jack Storer fired into the side netting.
And the home side almost snatched a point at the death only for a pacy ball to glance off Landell’s head with the striker a couple of yards from goal.
Stratford are next in action away at Mickleover on Saturday, April 13 with kick-off at 3pm at the Don Amott Arena.
