Storer set to return for Kettering contest
STRATFORD Town head to Southern League Premier Central strugglers Kettering Town on Saturday boosted by the return of influential frontman Jack Storer following a three-game ban.
But it could be too soon for injured pair Charlie Williams and Dan Vann who missed Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Berkhamsted while midfielder Tom Solanke is out long term with a broken foot.
New signing Troy Smikle-James, a 19-year-old winger who was on the books of both Everton and West Bromwich Albion, is also likely to miss out having been offered a trial at Championship side Huddersfield Town.
Reflecting on the weekend’s win which saw Callum Ebanks take his tally to 20 goals for the season, manager Gavin Hurren admitted it took a while for his players to come to terms with the unusually heavy condition of the Arden Garages Stadium pitch.
He said: “Credit to the groundstaff for getting the game on and then the boys have responded by putting in a great team performance in front of another good crowd. I am over the moon that we’ve got another three points and it keeps us moving forward.
“I thought Berkhamsted probably played the elements better than us in the first half but when you look at chances, I still think we had three or four very good opportunities, and their goal has come from a mistake. All credit to them, they took it really well, but we could have come in with a lead at half-time.
“We spoke to the boys and changed it slightly by going a little bit more offensive and it paid off because that second half was all Stratford. We played with urgency, we played on the front foot, we played the elements better and when we did get the opportunities, we took them.
“We have come on a lot over the past 12 months and with nine games to go we just have to keep on believing, keep enjoying it and try to finish as high as we can in the league.”
Hurren praised his two-goal match winner but also his defence and the impact of 36-year-old centre-half Liam Daly.
“I’ve always believed in Callum ever since I had him as a young lad on loan at Bromsgrove,” the Bards boss explained. “He’s still a young lad but is constantly developing and learning and I know he has the ability and potential to kick-on but just needs to keep his feet grounded. He is loved here at Stratford Town and we’re all delighted he has taken his tally to 20 now for the season.
“Dales played on Tuesday night away at Needham and again today [Saturday]. He has played three games in a week and his performances are justifying him playing. I thought the back four, along with the keeper, were outstanding. Everyone wants to be part of it at the moment.”
Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi, a special guest at the Berkhamsted game, made a presentation to Dan Lafferty to mark his 100th appearance for the club. The midfielder reached the milestone ast Needham Market in midweek.
