Bards up to second and another Bees victory

STRATFORD Town climbed up to second in Southern League Premier Central after chalking up a 3-0 win at home to Royston Town on Saturday.

But the victory came at a cost with keeper Jake Weaver being helped off the pitch midway through the first half following a collision. With no obvious replacement on the bench, skipper and central defender Paul McCone donned the gloves for the remainder of the game.

All the goals came in the second period, two goals in four minutes soon after the restart putting the Bards firmly in control.

Lewis Ison fired in the opener on 51 minutes following a well-worked corner with Owen James quickly adding a second. The pick of the goals came from substitute Charlie Williams who rounded off a fine passing move on 90 minutes.

Studley kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Highgate United in the MFL Premier. Ash DeMulder opened the scoring five minutes into the second half with substitute Lucas Edmonds doubling the lead with the final kick of the game as the visitors were caught out pushing for an equaliser.

In Division Two, Earlswood Town drew 1-1 at Cadbury Athletic and it was the same scoreline for FC Stratford at Wantage Town in the Hellenic League Division One while Southam United’s miserable run of form continued with a 9-0 drubbing at Wellington.

Finally, Alcester Town saw off Herefordshire Premier rivals AFC Kempsey 5-1 at Stratford Road with Adam Bourn and Adam Garmson scoring two goals apiece.