STRATFORD Town lost 2-1 away at AFC Telford United to slip to a third successive league defeat as the Bards’ struggles continued.
Dan Lafferty reduced the deficit for Stratford after Byron Moore and Reece Styche put Telford into a two-goal lead at New Bucks Head.
And the result means the Bards sit 15th in the Southern League Premier Central table, five points above the relegation zone.
Stratford were without regular goalkeeper Liam O’Brien as Louis Beresford came in for his first appearance of the season.
The Bards made a bright start as Callum Ebanks saw his header easily held by Telford goalkeeper Brandon Hall froom Chris Hussey’s excellent free-kick.
However, Telford broke the deadlock against the run of play on 17 minutes when Moore’s shot slipped underneath Beresford in the Stratford goal after the keeper failed to properly clear his lines.
The home side went close to a second goal just before the half-hour mark as the ball deflected onto the crossbar after Beresford had two attempts to punch a dangerous free-kick to safety.
And Telford doubled their lead on 32 minutes as Gibraltar international Styche fired past Beresford from the edge of the penalty area.
However, Stratford halved the deficit on 37 minutes when Lafferty collected the ball 25-yards from goal before unleashing a superb strike into the top corner to leave the home side stunned.
And the Bards almost drew level early in the second half when Lafferty connected with Riley O’Sullivan’s cross only for Hall to throw himself in front of the header and make an excellent save.
The visitors continued to push for an equaliser as Charlie Williams forced a late corner but the Bards were unable to end their losing run in the league despite a valiant effort.
Stratford are next in action at home to St Ives Town on Saturday, October 21 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
