BARDS CLIMB OUT OF THE RELEGATION ZONE

charts	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Pos	PPG	form
The Bards	36	9	12	15	50	66	-16	39	18th	1.08	LDWDW

Bards went 4 more unbeaten but lost their final game of the month. Bards also added a third captain to the squad

Needham Market (a) 1-0 – Bards took the lead against one of the meanest defences with a 25 yard shot from Josh Hawker which took a wicked deflection to become our joint highest scorer with 6. 1-0 at half time and Bards held on – a disciplined and spirited performance despite lots of 2nd half pressure.

Leiston (a) 1-1 – Bards winning streak on the road came to an end but few were complaining after a draw v 2nd placed Leiston. A penalty save from Liam kept the score 0-0 at half time. Bards though did fall behind after a volley just after half time. From those at the game it was a bit scrappy but we were a bit unlucky especially with the disallowed goal from Ison. Right at the end a cross from the right was turned in by new signing Charlie Williams. Though with Kings Langley winning and Needham Market drawing we are back in the relegation zone 1 point from safety but we have hope being 5 unbeaten.

Alvechurch (h) 2-0 – Bards beat Church (who were 5 points above them) to climb back out the relegation zone. There were plenty of man of the match candidates including Liam who made some fine saves to keep a clean sheet, including from the penalty spot for the 2nd game running with Bards 1-0 up. Both goals were scored from close range through Callum Ebanks after 8 minutes and Kyle Bennett on 31 sweeping the ball home to make the score 2-0 at half time. Bards came closest in the 2nd half with Banks hitting the post after being clean through as chances came at either end in this entertaining game.

Leiston (h) 1-1. Bards hit the woodwork on 3 occasions (2 from Charlie Williams thunderbolts) in the driving rain. Callum Ebanks did score after 25 minutes from a Bennett through ball with Leiston players appealing for offside. 1-0 at half time but it could have been 2 or 3. Leiston were much improved in the 2nd half against the strong wind and they scored midway through the 2nd half with a glancing header from a free kick. Both sides had chances to win as the game went from end to end with both sides going for much needed 3 points. There were a few fiesty challenges being made on the slippery surface and fair play to the ref for being consistent when challenges were mis-timed despite the protestations.

Hitchin (a) 0-1 – unbeaten in 7 playing at a team without a win in 10, hopes were high travelling to Hitchen. A poor game by all accounts saw Bards lose after a soft goal was given away – a speculative shot from 30 yards was spilled and the rebound put in. Bards came more into it in the 2nd half but ended up losing the game with luck not on our side (as shown by the above photo on the club’s twitter account).

Players – Will Grocott has been ever present in the league sometimes coming on as sub. New captain Paul McCone (35) now has the most starting appearances. Josh Hawker has picked up the most yellow cards with 7 and Lafferty has 6. Bards top scorers are Wright and Hawker with 6, Grocott and McCone have 5

League Table – Tamworth (76 pts from 36) have been caught by Coalville who still have a game in hand. Leiston (73) having played a game more than Tamworth are 3rd, Rushall (69) and Nuneaton (65) make up the top 5 with an 8 point gap to the team in 6th.

Bards (39 from 36) are 1 point out of the relegation spot having a game in hand over Kings Langley. Bedford with 8 defeats in a row have 30 from 36, Hednesford (24 from 37) and Rushden and Diamonds (20 from 36) are rooted to the bottom – Rushden being the first team relegated. It looks like the bottom 3 will drop.

Tamworth are top scorers with 80 aided by ex-Bard Daniel Creaney who is top of the scoring charts with 30 goals, Will Davies (Leiston) has scored 27 of their 78 goals. Coalville 34 and Tamworth 35 have the best defence. Relegated Rushden and Diamonds have scored the least (28) and conceded the most (80).

1017 saw Nuneaton v Colville.

The 2 promoted sides last year to step 2 – Banbury are 18th sliding down the table and Peterborough Sports 12th. Telford are rooted to the bottom and Leamington have slipped into the bottom 4 in the last relegation place, The sides relegated last year, Biggleswade Town are 6th in Division One Central and Lowestoft moved to the Isthmian League North where they are in a play- off position.

Players In – Charlie Williams attacking midfielder signed from Burton Albion youth. Experienced right back Lee Vaughan also joined having captained Stourbridge – see our squad list

Players Who Departed – Mikey Taylor departed and has gone to Sutton Coldfield – he then joined Carl Adams at Rugby – see where are they now

Looking ahead to April – 6 games left including some re-arranged games (fixtures subject to change so check club website). We have failed to win any of the reverse fixtures! although we had favourable results against the sides we played last year

APRIL FIXTURES WITH CORRESPONDING RESULTS LAST YEAR AND REVERSE GAME
Sat 1	3pm	Home	Barwell	02/4/22 1-0	A 29/10/22 1-1
Tues 4	7.45pm	Home	Redditch United	17/8/21 2-1	A 15/08/22 2-2
Sat 8	3pm	Home	Mickleover		A 19/11/22 3-4
Mon 10	3pm	Away	Tamworth	22/1/22 2-0	H 26/12/22 0-4
Sat 15	3pm	Home	Coalville Town	25/1/22 1-1	A 12/11/22 1-1
Sat 22	3pm	Away	Basford Town		H 05/11/22 2-2

We start the month with 3 home games starting with a game versus Barwell and then have an evening local derby game with Redditch Utd, who we drew to away at the start of the season conceding 2 late goals. We are then at home to Mickleover where we lost to a goal at the very end in a 7 goal thriller. We are then away to leaders Tamworth on Easter Monday who beat us 4-0 at home and then finish our home games with the visit of Coalville who we drew 1-1. We end the season at Basford who we drew 2-2 against with an extremely late equaliser.

For previous monthly reviews, see 2022/23 archive

DW – any opinions in this article are the author’s and on twitter

The winner of the March £100 lottery draw prize was Chris Bowdery. Congratulations Chris. A full list of monthly lottery winners and details of how to join can be found under the lottery section or at https://stratfordtownisa.com/stisa-lottery/

https://www.stratfordtownfc.co.uk/news/bards-sign-experienced-defender-lee-vaughan

Bards have today announced the signing of experienced right back Lee Vaughan who captained Stourbridge who is added to our squad page. Lee has also played over 600 games for Cheltenham Town and also played for Barnet, Solihull Moors and Kidderminster Harriers

Lee’s wikipedia page – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Vaughan

The winning ticket worth £72 was claimed for the 1-1 draw with Leiston. Other prize draws are on the 50/50 tab here

BARDS UNLUCKY AGAINST TITLE CHASERS

It says something of how far we have come in recent weeks when fans are disappointed with a draw against 3rd placed Leiston – the 1-1 score matching the game at theirs a week and a half earlier.

Bards hit the woodwork on 3 occasions (2 from Charlie Williams thunderbolts) in the driving rain. Callum Ebanks did score after 25 minutes from a Bennett through ball with Leiston players appealing for offside. 1-0 at half time but it could have been 2 or 3.

Leiston were much improved in the 2nd half against the strong wind and they scored midway through the 2nd half with a glancing header from a free kick. Both sides had chances to win as the game went from end to end with both sides going for much needed 3 points. There were a few fiesty challenges being made on the slippery surface and fair play to the ref for being consistent when challenges were mis-timed despite the protestations.

We’ll see you for the home game against mid-table Barwell on 1st April! Before then we have an away game at Hitchin who beat us 2-1 earlier in the season. Last year we beat Hitchen 1-0 away but had Joe Magunda sent off who missed the FA Cup game v Shrewsbury

At home games, we’ll be in our usual spot by the Tuck Shop selling our 50 / 50 tickets (average prize this year around £70), the excellent revamped programme, hats and scarves and will have membership forms with us if supporters would like to join on the day – it only costs £10 for adults a year. This year purchasers of 50 / 50 tickets are able to claim 10% off Car Servicing and have MOT’s for just £40 at Arden Garages when they present their ticket. Arden Garages have also helped to fund the cost of printing the tickets saving the The Supporters Association money.

DW – any views are those of the author

The winning ticket worth £91.50 was claimed for the 2-0 win over Alvechurch. Other prize draws are on the 50/50 tab here

Supporters Chairman Chris Simpson walked from Shipston on Stour before the game for charity to raise money for the brain tumour charity – you can still sponsor Chris here

BARDS BACK OUT OF RELEGATION ZONE, GO 6 UNBEATEN WTH 3 CLEAN SHEETS IN 4

There have been many battles between Bards and ‘Church over the years at step 5 and step 3 with Bards winning this one in the end fairly comfortably with a fantastic performance to go 6 unbeaten against a side who were 5 points above them. There were plenty of man of the match candidates including Liam who made some fine saves to keep a clean sheet, including from the penalty spot for the 2nd game running with Bards 1-0 up. Both goals were scored from close range through Callum Ebanks after 8 minutes and Kyle Bennett on 31 sweeping the ball home to make the score 2-0 at half time. Bards came closest in the 2nd half with Banks hitting the post after being clean through as chances came at either end in this entertaining game.

They always say the strength of the squad is in the bench which does seem stronger these days with the new signings again having good games. The Brads certainly have more strength in depth and for a side that used to concede 2 goals per game, it is pleasing to see The Bards keep a 3rd clean sheet in 4 – every time we have kept a clean sheet, we have won the game this season.

The Bards are now back out the relegation zone on GD by 3 goals after Kings Langley drew and face some tough games including v Leiston on Tuesday night. See you there!

At home games, we’ll be in our usual spot by the Tuck Shop selling our 50 / 50 tickets (average prize this year around £70), the excellent revamped programme, hats and scarves and will have membership forms with us if supporters would like to join on the day – it only costs £10 for adults a year. This year purchasers of 50 / 50 tickets are able to claim 10% off Car Servicing and have MOT’s for just £40 at Arden Garages when they present their ticket. Arden Garages have also helped to fund the cost of printing the tickets saving the The Supporters Association money.

DW – any views are those of the author

from Stratford Town website

Bards have today announced the signing of Charlie Williams who is added to our squad page

7 points from last 3 games give Bards fans hope

charts	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	Pos	PPG	form
The Bards	31	7	10	14	45	63	-18	31	19th	1.00	WDWLDLD

Ilkeston (h) 1-1 – a penalty from Will right in the corner secured a point for The Bards after going behind deep in first half injury time to a wicked deflection. There was some encouragement in the 2nd half performance and the game could have gone either way with goal-line clearances and the woodwork hit. Maybe 3 points were there for the taking but a game we could have lost.

Nuneaton Town (a) 0-1 – from our STISA correspondents, Bards were the better side in our best performance in a while but lost to a back post header against the run of play – their fans stating it was their only bit of quality. Missed chances cost us and there was some criticism of our set pieces. Lewis Ison had a good game when he came on and looks a good addition to the team. According to Rod’s stats Bards had more goal attempts 13 to 9 but had 1 less than Nuneaton on target with 3

St Ives (h) 3-3 – Somewhat disappointing to draw 3-3 in a game where we were leading 3-1 early in the 2nd half and the usual ex players scoring against the team they used to play for – Nabil Shariff and Jordan Williams denying the Bards a much needed all 3 points! Lewis Ludord-Ison’s long throw saw Bards open the scoring with McCone scrambling the ball home. However, St Ives equalised on 25 with a 25 yarder that bounced past Liam. On 44 Bards went into the break 2-1 up when a low cross was cleared onto the chest of Andre who smashed the ball home. Early in the 2nd half, a low cross was fumbled into the net at the near post by the St Ives keeper. However, quickly after, Shariff again scored against us, this time turning and volleying home. Man of the Match Lafferty hit the bar with a thunderous effort with 15 to go but after 80 minutes, Jordan Williams rose to send a looping header over Liam to deny Bards a much needed win. The defending again at times was poor, maybe there is a lack of pace to hit teams on the break. Too many long balls were launched as we regularly fail to win the 2nd ball. Highlights on Youtube. According to Rod’s stats, goal attempts were 13-11 in favour of The Bards with 8 on target compared to 6

Rushall (a) 3-4 – a cracking first half saw The Bards go in 3-3 at half time after clawing it back from 3-1 down. Goals from Turner from the rebound after Ison’s header hit the crossbar, a 20 yard cracker from Andre and Ison heading in. However, as always v Rushall they had the final word with a winner on the break in the 2nd half. A battling performance again, but we come away without a point after a hat-trick in the first half from Andre Carvalho-Landell and a cool finish from Alex Cameron on 75 winning the game as mistakes were heavily punished today. According to Rod, half the shots on target from both teams went in – Off target it was 11 shots to 10.

Bedford (a) 3-0 – Bards went into half time 1-0 up after scoring on 37 in this six-pointer – good work down the right saw Molyneux convert. 4 minutes into the 2nd half, the Bedford keeper had a bit of the Enckelman’s after a backpass rolled underneath his foot into the net under no pressure. The game then became a bit fiesty and Bards went 3-0 up from another neat passing move down the left hand side which saw Wright slotting home on the edge of the penalty area. Highlights on Youtube

Stourbridge (h) 1-1 – It was a good game with little goalmouth action in the 1st half. Early in the 2nd half, a shot from Will Grocott took a huge deflection and looped in the net. Bards then dominated the game and were certain to double the lead but for 2 last saving blocks on the line. However, a free header at the back post on 68 saw mid table Stourbridge come more into the game after not really threatening. The Bards had the better of the game overall and chances to win but had to settle for a share of the spoils. Ison and Bennett had good games and have proved to be excellent additions but we have more of a hill to climb as Bards are now 5 adrift of safety after Kings Langley won. At half time, we presented a £1,000 cheque for the Cody 23 fund

Bromsgrove (a) 1-0 – It was a very evenly matched first half, with both teams having a few half chances including a clearance off The Bards line. The game was stopped on 23 minutes to allow a tribute to Cody. Just after the 2nd half, a speculative shot bounced off the post, off the keeper’s head and out for a Stratford corner. From the corner Paul McCone nodded home. Bards enjoyed most of the possession and had chances to put the game to bed. According to Rod’s stats, Bromsgrove had 7 shots on target compared to our 3, with both sides having 4 off target. . Highlights on Youtube

Players – Will Grocott (32) and Paul McCone (30) have made the most appearances – Josh Hawker has picked up the most yellow cards with 7. Bards top scorer are Wright with 6, Grocott, Hawker and McCone have 5

League Table – Tamworth (70 pts from 33) are 7 clear of Leiston (63) and 8 clear of Nuneaton (62) although both sides have a game in hand. Coalville with 60 from 28 could mount a challenge for the top. Rushall (60 from 32) are 5th in the last play off spot.

Bards (31 from 31) are in the final relegation spot, 2 points adrift of Kings Langley who have played a game more and 4 adrift of Needham Market who we play next. Bedford with 5 defeats in 5 slip into the relegation zone with 30 from 33, Hednesford (21 from 34) and Rushden and Diamonds (15 from 31) are rooted to the bottom.

Tamworth are top scorers with 77 aided by ex-Bard Daniel Creaney who is top of the scoring charts with 29 goals, Will Davies (Leiston) has scored 23 of their 70 goals. Rushden and Diamonds have scored the least (24) and conceded the most (74).

2126 saw leaders Tamworth play Nuneaton 3rd – sadly the game had to be abandoned due to crowd trouble. There were only 14 goals in the 11 games on the last Saturday. Rushall had the biggest win of the month, 7-2 v Redditch,

The 2 promoted sides last year to step 2 – Banbury are 12th and Peterborough Sports 17th. The sides relegated last year, Biggleswade Town are mid-table in 10th in Division One Central and Lowestoft moved to the Isthmian League North where they are in a play- off position.

Players In – Lewis Ison has signed for the Bards from Hednesford Town where he was captain. Also coming in from Hednesford is experienced midfielder Kyle Bennett and was their vice captain. 3 new signings were made on 28 Feb – Kieron Dawes, Morgan Owen and Josh Waite – also see our squad list

Players Who Departed – Mikey Taylor departed and has gone to Sutton Coldfield – see where are they now

Looking ahead to March – games scheduled including some re-arranged games (fixtures subject to change so check club website).

MARCH
Sat 4	3pm	Away	Needham Market	League
Sat 11	3pm	Away	Leiston	League
Sat 18	3pm	Home	Alvechurch	League
Tues 21	7.45pm	Home	Leiston	League
Sat 25	3pm	Away	Hitchin	League

We start the month with two long trips to Needham Market who we beat 4-2 at home and to Leiston who we have yet to play this season after the original game was cancelled in September. Needham Market are currently down with us but Leiston are going for promotion. We then have 2 consecutive home games against Alvechurch and the return against Leiston on a Tuesday night. We are then away to Hitchen.

For previous monthly reviews, see 2022/23 archive

DW – any opinions in this article are the author’s and on twitter