Leaders toppled by Stratford’s sizzling second half

And when Oliver Greaves handed them the advantage midway through the first half, it looked as though it would be business as usual – the Bards failing to take their opportunities and then being punished by their more clinical opponents.

But what followed was a scintillating second half display that saw Town score three times in less than 25 minutes to stun their visitors whose only response was in the form of a late penalty before having a player sent off in added time.

Callum Ebanks and Paul McCone had early efforts saved by Mickleover keeper Oliver Bosworth while at the other end, Marcus Barnes took the ball past Stratford shotstopper Liam O’Brien only to fire wide of the target.

The breakthrough came on 23 minutes when, following a mazy run from Barnes, Greaves calmly tucked the ball home.

Both sides had chances before the interval with O’Brien pulling off a fine save to keep out another Greaves effort on the half hour while Ebanks had a header blocked in front of goal and Jack Storer’s fierce volley was pushed away by the diving Bosworth.

But the game turned with just 45 seconds of the second half played. Charlie Williams sent over a pin-point cross for Ebanks and the powerful striker rose to head past the Mickleover keeper.

Lewis Ison then took centre stage for the Bards with two goals. The first, on 57 minutes, was a result of some excellent work on the right involving Storer and Dan Lafferty with the latter pulling the ball back for the midfielder to fire home.

Then, on 69 minutes, he struck again with an instinctive finish after McCone had headed down a Chris Hussey free-kick.

Greaves netted his second from the penalty spot on 86 minutes following a foul on Barnes before substitute Joe Bateman was sent off in the fifth minute of added time as the Bards secured the points.

Manager Gavin Hurren praised his players, adding that on another day, the winning margin could have been far more.

“I thought everyone in the team was outstanding from minute one,” the Bards boss said. “We knew we had to be at it because Mickleover are top and undefeated for a reason – they are a very good side but I believe we have a squad here that can give anyone a game.

“I thought that some of the stuff we created was exceptional and I that on another day, rather than 3-2 it could have been 7-2.

“We have been playing in spells and then getting punished when we take that little dip but today I thought we were excellent throughout.

“We had to move a few lads out of position during the game to help the team. We had Lewis Ison playing in a more advanced role, Jack Storer finishing the game in a more central position and Charlie Williams having a spell on both wings. It shows we have players now who can play in a number of positions to help the team.”

Stratford Town are at Bromsgrove Sporting in the Southern League Premier Central on Saturday and Hurren knows they can take nothing for granted against a team with an identical mid-table record with six wins and two draws from their 15 league games.

He added: “I want the players to enjoy the win against a team at the top of the league but we need to get back on it at training this week to make sure we keep going.”

Stratford: O’Brien, Lafferty (Vann 64), Worley, Hussey, McCone, Solanke, Storer (Gbehe 84), Barkers (Wildbore 76), Ebanks, Ison, Williams. Subs (not used): Daly, Beresford.

Mickleover: Bosworth, Bennett, Wilson, Atkinson, Bradley, Mann, Dales, Sault (Bateman 70), Beavon (Ferron 82), Barnes, Greaves. Subs (not used): Tomlinson, Ryder.

Referee: Richard Walker

Att: 414

Bards Star Man: Lewis Ison

Opposition Star Man: Andrew Dales