Town boss Adams calls for focus ahead of Cambridge clash

CARL Adams stressed the importance of Stratford Town following up their cup victory over Leamington with another strong showing against Cambridge City on Saturday.

Town eased their way into the third round of the Southern League Challenge Cup with a 4-0 victory over Leamington at the DCS Stadium on Tuesday night.

Will Grocott bagged a quick-fire brace, while the returning Mike Taylor and Richard Gregory were also on target as Town bounced back from last week’s 4-0 defeat at Grantham in emphatic fashion.

And while Adams was delighted with the way his team dismantled their local rivals, the Town boss would certainly swap it for three points this Saturday against second-from-bottom Cambridge.

“We must not get carried away,” declared Adams.

“It’s great going into Saturday’s game and it’s great beating our local rivals for the first time since I’ve been here.

“So we must enjoy the moment, but let’s realise the league is massively important to us and Saturday’s game is a lot bigger than Tuesday’s.

“I keep trying to tell everyone we need to close the gap between us and these bigger clubs (Leamington).

“We are doing that week in, week out, month in, month out and trying to get that bit better.

“Our aim this year is to solely improve on 19th, where we finished last year.”

Saturday’s Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division showdown with Cambridge sees the welcome return of defensive midfielder Barry Fitzharris.

Fitzharris has now completed his three-match suspension following his red card in the 1-1 draw against King’s Lynn last month.

The Cambridge game arrives a week too soon for right-back Dan Summerfield, who is still recovering from the hamstring strain he picked up against Grantham.

The Welshman looks set for a likely return to action at Basingstoke a week on Saturday.