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Ace striker reveals his goals target




STAR striker Callum Ebanks celebrated his first Stratford Town hat-trick in Saturday’s 4-3 win at home to Barwell and admits he wants to be the best in the league.

The powerful former Cheltenham Town forward has attracted interest from a number of Football League clubs after taking his tally for the season to 14 – 12 of them in the Southern League Premier Division.

Speaking after the weekend’s win, Ebanks said: “I try to be as clinical as I can and I need to keep that going into the next game. It’s about confidence. The chances weren’t going in at the start of the season but I’m now trying to push to be the top goalscorer in the league.

Callum Ebanks celebrates his hat-trick
Callum Ebanks celebrates his hat-trick

“The confidence also comes from the team and the managers and I just want to keep the run going now and to keep getting goals. The aim at the start of the season was to go past 20 goals and I’m now up to 14.

“I can’t complain as we have so many creative players in the team that can put a cross in at the moment that I’m loving it. That’s my first hat-trick – fuming that it has taken me this long but delighted to finally get one. The last one that I can remember was in the FA Youth Cup when I scored four against Portsmouth while playing for Cheltenham Town.”

The Bards have hit a purple patch in front of goal, chalking up 12 goals in their last five games – a run that has lifted them up to sixth in the table, a point behind AFC Telford United who sit in the final play-off place. But they are now going into a tough run of matches with a trip to second-placed Needham Market on Saturday ahead of games against fellow challengers Halesowen Town Hitchin Town and Telford in the next month.

Ebanks said: “The game [against Barwell] was crazy, going from one end to the other. It’s like we are having to outscore teams at the moment but we’re happy that we managed to get the three points.”

And he added that while being aware of speculation surrounding his future, he just wanted to focus of helping the Bards achieve their goal of winning promotion.

“It’s flattering that I’m being linked with clubs higher up but I try not to focus on that and I’ve told the manager that I’d rather not know about those things unless a deal is actually done. I just want to focus on the football and keep getting goals for Stratford Town.”

There was also praise for Stratford’s hat-trick hero from manager Gavin Hurren who also admitted he was frustrated that it took four goals to see off Saturday’s opponents.

Stratford Town manager Gavin Hurren
Stratford Town manager Gavin Hurren

He said: “Ebanks is on fire. He did brilliant and he really deserves it. He’s worked so hard since he came into the club. He’s up there on his own – the kilometres he covers is outrageous – but I demand it.

“I’m so happy for to see that smile on his face. I know he’ll enjoy it, but he knows to work next week and be ready for the next game.

“We made it difficult for ourselves at times. The lads need to learn, we all need to learn. It was just frustrating with so much control to give the goals away that we did.

“It’s not acceptable but look, it’s a win. The lads played really well and showed great character but we made it difficult for ourselves.”

Action from Stratford Town’s match with Barwell. Photo: Paul Grant/STFC
Action from Stratford Town’s match with Barwell. Photo: Paul Grant/STFC


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