Stratford Town 2 Real Bedford 3 match report: Dan Lafferty and Max Lott both on target in defeat

A lacklustre first-half display saw Stratford Town slip to a 3-2 defeat to an in-form Real Bedford on Saturday.

The Bards came into the Southern League Premier Division Central fixture with a point to prove, following last Tuesday’s 4-0 FA Trophy thrashing at Anstey Nomads.

Paul Davis’s side suffered a nightmare start as they fell behind on 13 minutes after a period of early pressure from the visitors.

Elliot Simmons received the ball on the edge of the area and curled a beautiful first-time strike beyond the outstretched Jake Weaver to open the scoring.

As the half wore on, both sides created chances as Jack Storer’s effort was cleared off the line before Fin Brennan saw his free-kick kept out with a smart stop.

Archie Jones went close at the other end of the pitch, slamming his shot into the side netting from a tight angle.

Bedford deservedly doubled their lead shortly before the break when Conor Tee latched onto a perfectly-weighted long ball from Drew Richardson and darted into the box before firing past Weaver.

The Bards came out of the interval reinvigorated and with far more urgency, pulling one back after just five minutes. The ball dropped to Dan Lafferty on the edge of the box, who turned and thundered a half-volley into the bottom-left corner.

This goal seemed to lift Stratford spirits as they took control with chances falling to Dan Vann and Storer, before Lafferty spurned a golden opportunity to put the hosts level soon after.

However, Bedford ended any hopes of a comeback in the 84th minute with a well worked goal as Josh Allen controlled the ball and squeezed a low shot into the bottom corner.

Teenage loanee Max Lott was introduced midway through the second half and made an instant impression adding pace and energy to the Stratford frontline before eventually marking his debut with a well taken goal.

Lott burst through on goal before guiding the ball home with a composed finish.

The Bedford defence held firm and despite a spirited second-half performance the Bards left empty handed as the visitors extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

Stratford will hope to return to winning ways on Tuesday night, when they entertain Needham Market at the Arden Garages Stadium.

Stratford Town: Weaver, Vann (Morris 90+2), Brennan, Roberts, Ison (George 78), Storer, McCone (c), Masidi (Hawker 89), Reilly (Lott 71), James (Bruce 46).

Real Bedford: King, Richardson (c), Cartwright, Jones, Stevens (Hitchcock (90+3), Tee, Weyman, Simmons, Maliquie, Ahmed (Deall 80), Allen (Evans 85) Subs not used: Malachi Oluwa, Brett Longden.

Attendance: 608