FC Stratford undone by second-half fightback

FOOTBALL

FC STRATFORD were left to reflect on the proverbial game of two halves after going down to a 3-2 defeat at Hampton.

Nick Ballinger’s youngsters had led 2-0 at half-time in Saturday's Midland League Division Two contest, only to concede three goals after the break.

Ashley Wilkes opened the scoring and then Josh Aspinall-Smyth slotted home from the penalty spot for 2-0.

However, Hampton roared back with three goals to seal the points, with Liam Williams hitting an 85th-minute decider, and move within one point of 12th-placed Stratford.

Earlswood Town found Division Two leaders Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons a tough assignment as they lost 4-1.

Reece Gibson and Kyle Hudlin both scored twice for Falcons.

Alcester Town created chance after chance, only to squander them as they fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Inkberrow in Division Three.

Ellis Kalach and Nathan Davies were the goalscorers for Inkberrow, who now lie second in the table, three points behind AFC Solihull.

Central Ajax occupy third place following a 2-0 victory at Leamington Hibernian.

The goals came at the start and end of the contest in Cubbington, skipper Aaran Satchwell giving Ajax a second-minute lead after flicking in a near-post corner before Alex Andrews sealed the points with an 85th-minute penalty.

Bottom-of-the-table Shipston Excelsior’s woes continued with hosts Bartestree dishing out a 7-1 defeat.

It was 6-0 to the Hereford side before sub Wes Mack pulled a goal back for Shipston.

Tom Bendall led the way with a hat-trick, with Miles Langford, Levi Ellis, Austin Thomas and Dale Richards also on the scoresheet.