Weather hands Stratford Town a hectic fixture schedule

RING-rusty Stratford Town return to Evo-Stik South Premier action on Saturday when they head to St Ives.

Town fell victim to the recent freezing weather, with two home games inside five days being called off.

Stratford’s enforced two-week lay-off means the club now face a rather hectic March, with six matches in 21 days.

Manager Carl Adams will be hoping his side can pick up from where they left off in February, following a run of three wins from their last four.

“We were a bit rusty at training on Tuesday night,” Adams admitted.

“But Saturday’s game against St Ives is one we feel we should win.

“It’ll be a tricky one for us though as they’ve not got the best ground and their pitch always proves a bit of a leveller.

“If we want to keep one eye on finishing in the top ten then it’s a game where we have to pick up points.

“It’s also vitally important we get something with some massive games coming up against the likes of Kettering, King’s Lynn and Slough.”

Town will head to St Ives without striker Mike Taylor, who serves the final game of his two-match ban. Dan Summerfield is set to return to action though, after recovering from a knee injury.

George Washbourne, meanwhile, looks set for a return to action next week after recoving from a knee inury.

The midfielder has linked up with Midland League Division Two side Montpellier in recent weeks in a bid to build up his fitness and Adams feels he is one game away from returning to the squad.

“Washbourne is going to be a big plus for us,” Adams added.

“It’s fantastic to see him back playing and we’re very much looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Meanwhile, Stratford Town’s two postponed games have now been rearranged.

The Tiverton clash has been set for Tuesday, 20th March (7.45pm), while the Hitchin game will take place a week later on Tuesday, 27th March (7.45pm).