Beaten trio endure a blue Christmas

STRATFORD Town suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat at home to Southern League Premier Central strugglers Bromsgrove Sporting who took advantage of some uncharacteristic defensive blunders to claim the points.

Experienced defender Chris Hussey was at fault for the opening two goals which came at the start of each half. With nine minutes gone he stumbled inside the area allowing diminutive striker Finn Holmes to slot the ball past Bards keeper Jake Weaver.

And when the former Walsall and Cheltenham player lost possession inside his own half early in the second period, the ball was worked down the right before finding its way to Billy Shaw who slotted home Bromsgrove’s second.

The visitors went three goals clear midway through the second half when a corner was not cleared and Reece King stabbed home and that looked to be game over for Town.

But they didn’t go down without a fight. An 82nd minute penalty was converted by Hussey and on 90 minutes, Dan Lafferty scored from close range. The same player missed a good chance to salvage a draw deep in added time but he failed to hit the target from close range.

Studley also suffered a miserable afternoon, losing their MFL Premier game at Atherstone Town 4-1 while in Division Two, Earlswood Town suffered a 7-0 mauling at Central Ajax.

With the games involving Southam United and Alcester Town postponed and FC Stratford not in action, the only other game was in Division One of the Oxfordshire Senior League where Shipston Excelsior drew 2-2 at Yarnton Reserves with their goals coming from Kallan Gill and substitute Jamie Haines.