STRATFORD Town endured an opening day to forget as the Bards had debutant Henry Landers sent off in a 3-0 home defeat against Banbury United.
The home side fell behind after just three minutes and never recovered as Yaw Ofosu broke the deadlock before Luke Stokoe netted a brace for the visitors at the Arden Garages Stadium.
And the Bards saw Landers sent off after he picked up a second yellow card with just over 10 minutes left to play.
The result means Stratford sit 21st in the Southern League Premier Central table.
Banbury took the lead inside the first few minutes as Ofosu reacted quickest to turn home a rebound in the box from close range.
And the visitors doubled their advantage on 53 minutes when Stokoe saw his effort deflect past Stratford goalkeeper Jake Weaver.
The away side all but sealed the points 10 minutes later as Stokoe grabbed his second of the game with a composed run and finish.
And the Bards finished the game with 10-men after Landers received his marching orders for collecting two yellow cards.
Stratford travel to Redditch United on Monday, August 11 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Valley Stadium.
