WILL DAWES’ screamer secured an impressive point for Stratford Town as they fought back to draw 1-1 with promotion-chasing Peterborough Sports.
Dawes equalised on 80 minutes with the Bards momentarily reduced to 10-men after Richard Jones had opened the scoring on 57 minutes.
The result means Stratford have moved up to 12th place in the Southern League Premier Central table, nine points clear of the relegation zone.
And the Bards started well with Will Grocott striking the crossbar from distance in an evenly matched first-half at the Bee Arena.
The hosts only chance of the first period came through Lewis Hilliard when his header was well-saved by Bards goalkeeper Liam O’Brien.
Peterborough took the lead with a scrappy goal just before the hour mark when Jones bundled the ball home at the far post after a corner travelled across the face of goal.
However, Dawes drew Stratford level with 10 minutes left to play when he cut in from the left and smashed the ball home at the near post.
The Bards looked much-improved in Peterborough with the strike partnership of Jack Storer and new signing Leroy Lita causing problems for one of the league’s best defences, following the former’s introduction after the break.
Stratford are next in action at home to Biggleswade Town on Saturday, February 5 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
