Ten-man Town salvage a point

TEN-MAN Stratford Town came from a goal behind to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw against lowly Heath Hayes at the DCS Stadium on Tuesday night.

It was enough to extend their lead at the top of the Baker Joiner Midland Alliance table to 14 points. But the point came at a cost when full-back Harry Donaghey received a straight red card for a late challenge at the start of the second-half and defender Aaron Forde was shown a second yellow for dissent after the final whistle.

Hayes took a shock 84th minute lead when striker David Waple scored from the penalty spot after Forde was adjudged to have fouled him in the box. It took a wonderful 30-yard free-kick from Town skipper Joe Halsall to rescue a point for his side three minutes from time.

Leading scorer Tony Robinson is due to start a two-match suspension on Saturday week which means he will miss the crucial home games against title rivals Gornal Athletic and Bridgnorth Town.

Ashley Edwards and Ricky Baker are still sidelined through injury and with the imminent suspensions of Forde and Donaghey, Town manager Carl Adams has suddenly found himself with a depleted squad.

For the full report and reaction see Thursday’s Stratford Herald.