Will Grocott hails wonder goal as his 'best ever'

STRATFORD Town midfielder Will Grocott described his wonder strike against Alvechurch on Tuesday night as the best of his career.

The 26-year-old capped a man-of-the-match performance with an astonishing goal as Town progressed to the second round of the CSS League Challenge Cup with a 4-2 win at Lye Meadow.

With the game poised at 2-2, Grocott spotted Paul Evans off his line and his audacious 45-yard lob attempt sailed over the stranded goalkeeper and into the net.

It was a goal worthy of gracing any level and Grocott believes it was a “once in a lifetime” moment.

“It’s the best goal I’ve ever scored,” said the midfielder, back in the starting line-up after he was dropped to the bench at King’s Lynn on Saturday.

“It’s one of those strikes that you will probably only score once in your lifetime.

“I saw him (Evans) playing quite high and I thought if I can get some space, I will try it. Fortunately it came off.”

Stratford have now gone six games unbeaten and Grocott believes the squad is beginning to gel following a difficult start to the season.

He said: “We played really well and should have won by a lot more really. We’re looking quite strong now.

“There’s a really good squad at Stratford — we’ve got some very talented boys. It takes time for everything to gel, but it’s starting to happen now.”

First-team coach Scott Machin was delighted with his side’s all-round effort in a game he felt Town were worthy winners.

“It was an excellent performance,” said the former Kettering Town boss. “Will’s goal was of course the highlight and he was right in front of us when he hit it — it was clear that he meant it.

“But overall this was a team effort. We feel the squad is now developing nicely and in the end we have finished as convincing winners.”

Stratford's reward for beating Alvechurch is a second round tie against local rivals Redditch United at the Arden Garages Stadium.

The game is scheduled to be played week commencing Monday, 5th November, with the game likely to take place on Tuesday, 6th November.

Town return to Southern League Central action on Saturday when they welcome Leiston to the Arden Garages Stadium.