Davis wants ‘same again’ from Bards fans

BARDS boss Paul Davis has urged supporters to put in a repeat performance to help his side pick up three vital points in the road at Redditch United on Saturday.

More than 200 Stratford Town fans made the trip to Banbury United last weekend and the head coach admitted that their backing could really make the difference against their next opponents who are in a relegation scrap at the foot of the Southern League Premier Central table.

“It was the most fans I’ve ever seen at an away game and they were loudest I’ve ever heard,” Davis said.

“I was fortunate to be in charge at Boston in our FA Cup run and I think there were probably three times as many at Banbury. The way they sang through the game was brilliant and massively supporting.

“To get so many to the game was a different class and the players and staff can’t thank the fans enough and if they can get to Redditch on Saturday then we will try and give them a bit more to cheer about.

“It makes a huge difference. The players mentioned on Saturday that they had never heard Banbury so quiet. It spurs you on and makes you want to repay those who have paid their hard-earned money to watch you play.”

And while Redditch are struggling near the drop zone, Davis is adamant that they will provide another tough test.

“I haven’t met a team yet that is going to roll over. I know Matt Clarke really well and it is not in his or his team’s nature. I think they are five points clear of the bottom four which I’d say was enough although if you are down there you’d probably say it isn’t so they will do everything they can to accrue more points.

“We just need to concentrate on ourselves and what will be will be. If Harborough win five games and we win five games, as long as we score more than them then we will go above them on goal difference. A lot of the top teams still need to play each other - Harborough play Bedford this weekend.”

He is hopeful to be able to slot Dan Vann back in at right back after the defender missed out at Banbury with Jamie Molyneux taking his place for what was his first start of the campaign after suffering a serious groin injury in pre-season.

“Vannsy struggles with his knees so it was a conscious effort that, to try and keep him fit for the next five games, he probably needed to miss the game. We have to play it by ear because the injury he has means he can be fine one day and struggling the next.

“Molly took a while to get going which is understandable because he has probably never played there before. It took ten minutes to get used to it but once he found his feet he did well.

“The lad he played against [Connor Stanley] scored a hat-trick in midweek but I can’t remember him getting a shot away on Saturday so all credit to Molly for that because he was brilliant. He also hit the post so on the attacking front, he gave us an extra dimension which we lack if Dan Vann is playing. It is pleasing to know that we now have someone who can do a job there.”