Play-offs the aim for key man McGrath

And if Stratford Town are to reach this season’s Southern League Premier Division play-offs, they will need McGrath to continue his excellent form in the middle of the park.

“The play-offs is what we are aiming for,” said McGrath.

“That’s what you want to try to achieve. We beat Redditch who were up there at the top of the division and we really should have beaten Weymouth.

“The results would say we should be there or thereabouts.”

His performances have not gone unnoticed either, with Town boss Adams describing him a ‘dream’ last month.

McGrath started the season at Rushall, but he was keen for a quick move after failing to settle at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side.

The switch could not have gone better for McGrath, who feels he is more suited to Town’s style of football.

“It’s gone very well,” said McGrath, who was on the books at Wolverhampton Wanderers as a youngster.

“I wasn’t really enjoying it at Rushall. The way I play and the way Carl (Adams) wants the team to play suits me much better.

“He gives you a licence and freedom to play and express yourself.

“At Rushall they wanted you to play in a more direct way. I prefer to pass more and try to play a bit of football.”

Full story in this week's Herald