First goal was vital, says Town boss Adams

STRATFORD Town manager Carl Adams said scoring the first goal was crucial in Stratford Town’s victory over Cambridge City at the DCS Stadium on Tuesday night.

Jamie Sheldon fired Stratford into a third-minute lead before a hat-trick from Richard Gregory and a late Mark Magee goal saw Town claim an emphatic 5-2 win.

Town have struggled in front of goal since the turn of the year, but Sheldon’s early strike seemed to settle the nerves and Adams’ side looked dangerous with almost every attack.

“The difference tonight was we went in front,” said the Town boss.

“We fed off that a little bit and the appetite was there.

“We played some nice stuff. I think every goal that was scored was a real good goal.”

Hat-trick hero Gregory echoed his manager’s thoughts, saying: “I was really happy after the game – I couldn’t stop smiling.

“It’s been a bad few months and to finish the season the way we did was great.

“It was so good to have everyone smiling again.

“I actually said to the lads it would be good if we could start well against Cambridge.

"I can’t remember the last time we came flying out of the blocks like that.

“We know we have got the players who can hurt teams.”