KEVIN Joshua scored his first Stratford Town goal as the Bards claimed an impressive 2-0 victory against promotion rivals Halesowen Town.
Joshua sealed the points just past the hour mark after Owen James’ early goal put the Bards ahead at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The result means Stratford sit second in the Southern League Premier Central table, one point behind leaders Bedford Town.
Stratford almost broke the deadlock inside the first minute when Callum Ebanks found himself in space in the penalty area only for the Yeltz to make a crucial interception.
However, the Bards took the lead on eight minutes when James fired home into an empty net after Dan Platt kept out Ebanks’ initial effort and Dan Lafferty’s follow-up hit the post.
The home side should have doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark only for Ebanks to miscue a header from James’ cross with the goal at his mercy.
Halesowen improved after the break as Jake Weaver beat Kacy Butterfield’s shot to safety.
However, the Bards sealed the points on 66 minutes when a game of pinball broke out inside the Halesowen box and Joshua poked home from five-yards out following a long throw from the right.
The home side almost extended their lead later in the half as Lafferty saw his shot come back off the crossbar while Jak Hickman struck the post for the visitors.
Stratford are next in action against Lowestoft Town on Saturday, February 1 with kick-off at 3pm at Crown Meadow.
