FC Stratford suffer first league defeat after missed penalty

FOOTBALL

FC STRATFORD slipped to their first of the Midland League Division Three season after missing a penalty at AFC Solihull.

The hosts claimed a 2-1 win at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre on Saturday as Stratford dropped to sixth in the table.

Dave Poulson’s men fell behind when a corner wasn’t fully cleared and the ball was volleyed home by former FC Stratford player Andy Matthews past keeper Nick Holt.

Stratford had plenty of possession but struggled to break down a well-organised home defence, but Solihull added a second goal after the interval. The visitors failed to deal with a punt forward and Matthews again collected the loose ball to smash home.

Stratford responded immediately when Dean Poulson pulled the ball back into the path of Tom Parnaby who slotted home and then they had the chance to level. Parnaby was flattened as he took a Poulson corner, but Ashley Wilkes’ weak spot-kick was saved.

Alcester Town also endured a frustrating away day after going down 3-2 at Central Ajax in Warwick.

Courtney Sowe fired the visitors ahead but Ajax had opened a 3-1 half-time lead after goals from Jack Keeling, Matt Trinder and Jake Montgomery.

Lewis Marston replied for Danny Janes’ Town but they couldn’t find the equaliser.

Shipston Excelsior leapfrogged both Stratford and Alcester to jump into the top three after defeating bogey side Coventrians 3-1 at London Road.

Steve Hedderman’s side took the points after teenager Shaye Eden bagged his first goal for the club and Tom Ford and Nick Shurmer also netted.