PICTURE GALLERY: FC Stratford v Bewdley Town
FC STRATFORD boss Nick Ballinger was proud of his players’ effort despite their FA Vase exit at the hands of Bewdley Town at the Arden Garages Stadium on Sunday.
The West Midlands Regional League Premier Division side progressed to the second qualifying round thanks to a fifth-minute strike, but Stratford made them work hard for it following a spirited second-half display.
They dominated after the break, missing a string of chances before Bradley West missed a penalty with five minutes to go.
“They were super,” said an upbeat Ballinger. “Bewdley came out of the blocks very quickly and they probably should have been 2-0 or 3-0 up in the first 30 minutes.
“We found our feet towards the end of the half, then changed our formation at half-time and I don’t think they had a shot in the second half.“I’m really proud of them. I had four 16-year-olds out there and all of the team are under 18 bar two and we’re holding our own.”
Stratford return to Midland League Division Two action this weekend with a trip to Bolehall Swifts.
