Stratford Town boss Darren Byfield hails 'first-class' attitude of Mike Taylor

MANAGER Darren Byfield has saluted the “first-class” attitude of Mike Taylor as the powerhouse striker battles to force his way into the Stratford Town side.

Taylor has had to settle for a place on the bench in all three of Stratford’s Southern League Premier Central fixtures this season, but he made a game-changing contribution in his side’s 2-2 draw at Royston on Saturday.

Byfield’s men led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a sublime strike from Brad Maslen-Jones, only for Royston to hit back with two goals inside six minutes after the break.

Taylor was introduced in the 69th minute and with eight minutes to go his bullet header from a Will Grocott cross earned Town a deserved point.

Byfield was delighted with his striker’s crucial contribution and said: “People want to play and they’re naturally upset when they don’t.

“But Mike Taylor’s attitude has been first class. He’s come on and got a typical goal with his strength and determination.”

A defeat would have been harsh on Town, who for the second game running showed impressive resolve after going behind.

“I felt we should have had all three points,” Byfield said.

“We were very good in the first half and I thought we could have gone into half-time a couple of goals in front.

“After going behind we then showed excellent character to get back into it.

“There’s a great spirit between the boys and with the positive attitude we’ve got in the dressing room we can only get better.”

Town are now preparing for a busy bank holiday weekend, where they host Lowestoft on Saturday before a short trip to Banbury on bank holiday Monday.