Adams praise for Town after cup win

But Michael McGrath's 83rd-minute strike provided the hosts with a late but well-deserved winner over the Sky Blues Under-21s in Wednesday’s first-round tie.

Manager Adams was naturally delighted with the result, especially after Stratford's recent early exits in cup competitions.

"It was a strong performance from us. In all honesty, we could won by three or four in the end,” he said.

“I've been looking for consistency from the players and that's four games unbeaten we've put together. Hopefully we can kick on again.

"There were massive positives. Edwin scored again and he was a real handful.

"Emmitt Delfouneso's performance was another plus. He is starting to show why we brought him to the club. McGrath, too, has got that bit of quality.

"The two centre-halves (Marcel Simpson and Liam Francis) were immense again.”

Stratford also gave a 45-minute run-out to Richard Gregory for his first appearance since the opening-day win at Hitchin Town. The striker, who rejoined in the summer from Rugby, suffered an ankle injury after just half an hour and hadn’t played for Town since, though he has had three games on loan at Tividale.

"Having Gregory back was another positive,” said Adams. “He was a box of tricks. He is looking like scoring every time he is on the ball.”

Town return to league action on Saturday when they face Frome Town at the DCS (3pm).