Weekend football - Defeat sees Stratford Town drop from play-off places

STRATFORD Town dropped out of the Southern League Premier Central play-off places after slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Harborough Town.

The home side eased to a three-goal interval lead with goals from Luis Rose and two from Ben Stephens before Callum Ebanks reduced the deficit midway through the second half.

Jack Burgess made his debut in midfield for the Bards but they lost playmaker Tom Solanke after just 15 minutes with a hamstring injury.

The result saw Paul Davis’ side drop to sixth, three points outside the play-off places.

It was also a day to forget for MFL Premier side Studley who lost 4-0 at home to league leaders Lichfield City.

The visitors included former Bees skipper Bren Bunn in goal and Jamie Spiers in attack and the striker was among the goalscorers along with Jamie Elkes, Jude Taylor and Sonny Sheasby.

FC Stratford maintained their play-off push at the top of Hellenic League Division One with a 5-0 victory over visitors Wellington. Toby Nicoll was their star turn with four goals, the other coming from Jamie Robinson.

Alcester Town were 3-1 winners at Ludlow Town Reserves to maintain their unbeaten record at the top of the Herefordshire Premier Division but Shipston Excelsior lost their Oxfordshire Senior League game at Abingdon United Development by the same scoreline.