No ban after striker sees red in final friendly

Stratford Town striker Callum Ebanks has escaped a ban despite being sent off in his side’s final pre-season game – a bruising 3-0 victory over Bedworth United.

The former Cheltenham Town forward reacted following a series of X-rated challenges and now manager Gavin Hurren hopes his young players can learn from the experience as they head into Saturday’s opening game of the Southern League Premier Central season at home to Needham Market.

“Callum and all the younger lads are going to be targeted and they need to learn how to deal with that,” the Bards boss explained.