STRATFORD Town scored after just 24 seconds in a 1-1 draw away at struggling Redditch United.
The Bards broke the deadlock inside 30 seconds when Callum Ebanks headed in from close range only for Robbie Bunn to draw the home side level on the hour mark at the Valley Stadium.
And the result means Stratford sit seventh in the Southern League Premier Central table, two points outside of the play-off places.
The Bards made the perfect start as Ebanks won an aerial collision with Reds goalkeeper Ollie Taylor and nodded in from close range after just 24 seconds.
And Stratford spurned a golden chance to double their lead as Charlie Williams fired straight at Taylor after the Bards caught Redditch in possession high up the pitch.
Taylor then made a fine save low down to his right to keep out Jack Storer’s effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Stratford remained on top as Dexter Dudley-Toole produced a stunning block on the line to deny Ebanks a second goal.
However, the Reds drew level on the hour mark when Bunn fired a powerful first time effort into the bottom left corner from 25-yards out.
The home side almost snatched the points when Cyrus Babaie curled a low shot inches past the post from the edge of the penalty area.
And Reds boss Matt Clarke saw red in injury time for impeding Lewis Ludford-Ison as he went to take throw-in.
Stratford are next in action against Stamford on Saturday, April 12 with kick-off at 3pm at the Arden Garages Stadium.
