Sending off is key as Bards are edged out

Alvechurch 1, Stratford Town 1

A RED card for Stratford striker Callum Ebanks proved key in this battle with neighbours Alvechurch with the visitors finally losing out to a penalty midway through the second period.

The former Cheltenham Town targetman was sent off after just 27 minutes for a head-butt on Church defender Abel Alabi as the two grappled on the floor. Alabi escaped punishment but his central defensive partner Yaw Ofosu was sent off late on after picking up a second booking in what was a tetchy game throughout.