STRATFORD Town saw their three-game winning run come to an end after slipping to a 2-1 defeat away at struggling Barwell.
A goal from Lewis Ludford-Ison kept the Bards in the contest after Ashley Chambers and debutant Tyrell Waite put the home side in command at Kirkby Road.
The result means Stratford sit fourth in the Southern League Premier Central, four points behind leaders Bedford Town with two games in-hand.
Barwell broke the deadlock after just nine minutes when a cross from the left hit the head of Chambers and the ball rolled into the corner of the net.
The Bards almost drew level soon after only for Callum Ebanks to send his lobbed effort over the crossbar with Barwell goalkeeper William Highland stranded.
And the home side doubled their lead four minutes after half time as Waite curled a shot past on-loan Bards goalkeeper Jenson Kilroy.
The visitors halved the deficit on 66 minutes when Ludford-Ison finished from close range after good work from Fin Brennan down the left.
The Bards searched for an equaliser but failed to find a goal despite an onslaught in the remaining minutes.
Stratford are next in action against Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday, February 22 with kick-off at 3pm at the RDA Stadium.
