Early penalty sends Town to derby defeat

BELOW-PAR Stratford Town failed to build on Saturday’s win at Poole Town as a third-minute penalty saw them lose 1-0 to local rivals Leamington at the DCS Stadium.

Some sloppy play from Anthony Charles led to the penalty, gifting the Brakes the early lead.

The former Northampton Town defender hesitated in clearing the ball and Brakes striker Daniel Dubidat took full advantage before he was brought down by Aaron Moses-Garvey in the area.

Sam Austin, who was Leamington’s star man when the sides previously met a month ago, confidently dispatched the penalty past Town goalkeeper Andy Kemp.

In front a healthy crowd of 576, the derby contest failed to inspire and other than the decisive spot-kick it took 26 minutes for either side to muster a shot on goal.

Town were much better in the second half, with substitute Jamie Sheldon adding some much-needed zest following a dire first period.

Ex-Leamington midfielder Sheldon almost found the equaliser too, his 57-minute cross heading for the top corner before Tony Breeden spectacularly tipped it over.

But that was as close as Stratford got and they will need to quickly dust themselves down ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to Cambridge City.

Full match report in this week's Herald

Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division table