Returning striker set for starring role in the cup
STRATFORD Town manager Gavin Hurren has praised the impact returning striker Jack Storer has had on his side ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie with Spalding United.
The striker was a fans’ favourite before jetting off to sign for Gibraltar outfit Magpies, playing two games in the Europa Conference League against Irish side Dundalk.
And with fellow frontman Callum Ebanks suspended for the cup clash with their Northern Premier Midland Division opponents, the Bards boss is confident Storer will step up to the plate.
Hurren said: “Jack has come straight into the side and I thought he was excellent in both games over the weekend – not only his work ethic but the quality he brings to the side. He has fitted back in perfectly. He’s a fantastic footballer and some of the things he does out there are outrageous at times – that’s how good he is.
“Jack has always had ability. He made the decision to go abroad and that can only be a positive because you learn things when you move away – you grow and experience things. He has played in Europe and played within an established professional environment. It means he has come back in great shape and looks as though he’s recharged the batteries.
“All we can do on Saturday is to set-up correctly for what will be a tough game. We need to prepare right and be focussed and if we do that we should come away with a positive result. We are going to have a few out but that is going to give a chance to others who have been waiting patiently.”
Spalding, who lost 2-1 in a pre-season game at the Arden Garages Stadium, are likely to have former Town favourite Mikey Taylor in their line-up after the striker scored twice in their defeat of Shepshed Dynamo in the previous round.
But Hurren hopes his side can build on an excellent 1-1 draw at Leamington on Monday and learn from the mistakes that saw them lose 4-3 at home to Leiston on Saturday.
The manager added: “I feel we have had two really tough games. Leiston are a play-off team who are always in and around it and Leamington are one of the favourites having come down from Conference North.
“On Saturday I felt we played well in spells but four or five minutes of madness cost us. It shows that if you give teams like Leiston opportunities they take them. The massive positive though was that we didn’t crumble but kept on playing and pulled it back. Leiston were having to hang on at the end. It was frustrating, it hurt, and we know our concentration lapsed at the wrong time.
“I wanted to see a reaction and I thought I got that on Monday when I thought some of the football we played was brilliant. I thought from minute one we were the better team.
“What struck me was the application and the attitude of the players and I was immensely proud and delighted for the fans who turned out in their numbers.”
