Promotion will be the aim next season, says Poulson

FC STRATFORD manager Dave Poulson is targeting promotion from Midland League Division Three next season.

Stratford wrapped up their 2016/17 campaign with an entertaining 1-1 draw against Northfield Town at the DCS Stadium.

After the game, Poulson was optimistic about what the future held for his side and he said promotion is a minimum requirement next year.

“We’ve got to get promoted,” Poulson insisted.

“This is it, now, considering the facilities and the team we’ll have here next season.

“We know we have players coming to us for next season, so things are already building. Hopefully if everyone who says they are coming do come, then we’ll be competing for promotion.

“I’m not expecting us to lose anyone of note and we’re looking to add a few.”

Daniel Kirby’s second-half header denied Northfield victory on Saturday and also ended their hopes of promotion to Midland League Division Two.

Will Parker had given Northfield the lead but Kirby’s header from Lewis Fathers’ corner saw the points shared.

“It was a decent performance from us,” said Poulson.

“We controlled the first half, but once they had scored they tried to hold out.

“We put all the pressure on and eventually got the goal we deserved.”