The winning ticket worth £67.50 was claimed for the 1-0 win over leaders Coalville. Other prize draws are on the 50/50 tab here

BARDS SAFE AFTER ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE WIN

Another splendid performance from the Bards saw Stratford regain their place in step 3 of non-league football. In the end Kings Langley losing made us safe anyway but it’s always more satisfying to secure safety ourselves

7 points ahead of Kings Langley who had 3 to play, Bards fans were regularly accessing ‘flash scores’ to see how Kings Langley were getting on – news came through they were 1-0 down after 27 minutes so The Bards were currently safe.

In front of the largest crowd of the season with many visiting fans from leaders Coalville, it was scoreless at half time despite both sides having chances in this end to end tussle. Bards defence held firm and when it was breached, the woodwork came to the rescue twice.

Five minutes into the second half Bards hit the post twice too but luck was on our side as when Ebanks hit the post, the ball fell to Kyle Bennett who teed up his shot from a tight angle and drilled the ball into the net off the far post. The score remained 1-0 right to the end with Bards sitting deep and Coalville not really troubling Liam in goal despite needing the win themselves. 7 minutes of added time led to more tension before another excellent match official blew the final whistle.

The win saw Bards sit in 16th place on 49 points having displayed some impressive form over the last 13 games W7 D4 L2, 10 clear of Kings Langley who lost and who having only 2 left to play were subsequently relegated

Then it was onto a fun and enjoyable awards evening

DW – any views are those of the author