CALLUM Ebanks scored a brace as Stratford Town made a perfect start to the new season with a 3-0 victory against Leiston.
Ebanks netted twice inside 20 minutes before Dan Lafferty struck on the stroke of half time to seal the points on the opening day of the season at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The result means Stratford sit top of the Southern League Premier Central table after the first round of matches.
And Gavin Hurren’s side made the perfect start as Ebanks broke the deadlock on seven minutes after latching onto Tom Solanke’s through ball and smashing home.
Ebanks doubled his tally for the game on 17 minutes with a simple finish from close range as he converted Owen James’ cross after good work from Finley Brennan.
Leiston responded with a chance at the other end as Stratford goalkeeper Callum Smith superbly denied Jamar Loza from close range when one-on-one.
However, the Bards extended their lead moments before the break when Lafferty combined with Ebanks before applying the finishing touch to all but secure the points.
The home side remained in control after the interval as Ebanks searched for a hat-trick while Reece Styche struck the crossbar.
Stratford are next in action away at Bromsgrove Sporting on Tuesday, August 13 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Victoria Ground.
