DAN Vann’s header helped Stratford Town to a 1-0 home win against Basford United as the Bards booked their place in the first round proper of the FA Trophy.
Vann powered home just past the half-hour mark to seal a narrow victory against Northern Premier League Premier opponents Basford at the Arden Garages Stadium.
Stratford’s reward is a trip to Northern Premier League West side Nantwich Town in the next round with the tie set to take place on Saturday, October 28 at the Weaver Stadium.
The Bards made a bright start as Callum Ebanks shot narrowly wide before hitting the post later in the half after good work from Charlie Williams.
However, Stratford eventually broke the deadlock on 32 minutes when Vann’s emphatic header from Chris Hussey’s corner beat Kieran Preston in the Basford goal.
The home side almost doubled their lead in the second half when Ebanks forced Preston into a fine save before Vann went close to a second goal with another header from a corner.
Bards defender Paul McCone made a crucial block late on while Town goalkeeper Liam O’Brien kept out a Basford effort at the death to secure the home side’s place in the next round.
Stratford travel to AFC Telford United on Saturday, October 14 with kick-off at 3pm at New Bucks Head.
