STRATFORD Town exited the FA Trophy at the Third Round Qualifying stage following a 1-0 defeat against divisional rivals Barwell.
Veteran striker Leroy Lita scored the game’s only goal on 35 minutes to settle the tie at Kirkby Road.
Lita leapt superbly to head Koby Arthur’s cross from the right into the top corner from 12-yards out.
Barwell almost doubled their lead just past the hour mark when Ethan Hill cut in from the right and fired a shot narrowly over the crossbar.
Stratford went close to an equaliser during 11 minutes of injury time as Lewis Ludford-Ison headed Chris Hussey’s cross down into the ground and over the bar.
The Bards managed their first shot on target in the 93rd minute as Hussey saw his effort saved by Will Highland at the near post.
Stratford are next in action against Biggleswade Town on Saturday, October 12 with kick-off at 3pm at The Eyrie.
