TOP TEN STRAT’S THE PRIORITY!
Ipswich trial just a bonus for Ben
BEN STEPHENS says his only focus is on helping Stratford Town finishing in the EVOSTIK South Premier top ten and not the outcome of his trial at Championship side Ipswich Town.
The 20-year-old striker is keeping his feet on the ground after spending a couple of weeks with the Tractor Boys and playing twice for their U23s.
On Monday he started at Portman Road in a 3-2 U23 Premier League Cup win against West Brom, where he also setup one of the goals.
Mick McCarthy’s side are one of a number of clubs interested in the Stratford goal-getter, who has found the net 18 times this season despite only being converted to a striker in October.
Nerve-wracking
“It’s a good taster and I appreciate being able to go there,” Stephens told The NLP. “You can’t think you’ve made it, I’ve not done anything yet. I want to play professional foota ball, you have to take a few knocks and you have to keep battling to get there.
“I’ve trained with them for a couple of weeks and played a couple of games. Everyone makes you feel welcome. The first couple of days were a bit nerve-wracking but I enjoyed it lot. It’s where you want to be as a footballer, testing yourself against those type of players. “I just keep trying to do well for Stratford. I can only concentrate on that. The lads are good, they give me a bit of stick about it but when you get on the pitch it’s a lot different, everyone works for each other. It’s a good club and I enjoy it there. “We are doing well. We are pushing for the top ten and trying to break into it. That would be very good for us.” Released by Leicester City when he was 16 – for being too small – Stephens has had spells at Oadby Town and Kettering Town before joining Stratford ahead of last season.
And he says boss Carl Adams’ decision to move him further up the pitch has really developed his game.
Physical
Stephens said: “I was a midfielder, playing as a No.10, and we had a long injury list so the gaffer said, ‘You can play up front’. I’ve been scoring regularly ever since so it’s been good.
“I felt comfortable as soon as I went up there and I like it. We normally play two up front so I run off, drop in, and try to get on the ball as much as I can.
“I scored goals before but you obviously get more chances when you’re up front. I’ve learnt a lot about the position, how to use your body. I’m not the biggest but I can jump quite high too!
“Ever since I was released by Leicester I’ve been in NonLeague getting kicked around and you get stronger and know the game more.
“I’ve had a few years now and getting that physical side is a good thing that helps you out in the long run.”