Bards slip to defeat on club’s inaugural heritage day
STRATFORD Town’s winless home run has now stretched to eight games rolling back three months after a Chris Hussey own goal handed Spalding the points on an emotional day at the Arden Garages Stadium.
It was harsh on the Bards who deserved at least a share of the Southern League Premier Central spoils and particularly harsh on Hussey who was his side’s star turn, orchestrating the defence and embarking on a series of trademark runs out from the back.
There was a poignant start to proceedings with the Last Post being played by a lone bugler and a wreath being laid in the centre circle, all watched by the family of the club’s founder Paul Bartlett on what was Town’s inaugural heritage day.
A frenetic start failed to deliver any chances of note and it took 35 minutes before either keeper was tested with Spalding’s Tony Breeden diving to his right to superbly keep out a Lewis Ison effort. This came shortly after Town’s Dan Vann had seen his shot cleared off the line by Dan Lawlor who was making his debut for the visitors.
The Bards continued to forge the better chances in the second half with Tom Solanke having a shot pushed over the bar before Callum Ebanks sent Jack Storer in on goal only for him to fire wide of the Spalding target.
Substitute Joe Nyahwema looked lively when he came on for the visitors midway through the half and it was his cross from the left that was turned into his own net by Hussey on 75 minutes.
Stratford had one final chance to salvage something from the game deep in added time but, following a goalmouth scramble, Dan Lafferty’s shot was blocked in front of goal.
In the MFL Premier, Studley moved closer to the play-off places with a 4-2 win at Dudley Town and could edge closer still with victory over visitors Atherstone Town tonight (Monday).
In Division One of the Hellenic League, FC Stratford were 2-0 winners at Clanfield 85 but Southam United lost 3-0 at home to Cheltenham Saracens. Elsewhere there were cup wins for Earlswood Town and Alcester Town.
