Carvalho adds to Leiston’s worries

STRATFORD extended their unbeaten run to seven in all competitions in this first ever match between the clubs.

The Suffolk side had endured a traumatic week, losing 5-1 at home to Kings Lynn followed by the departure of manager Glen Driver, but they put all that behind them as Christy Finch headed them into the lead after just 22 seconds.

Stratford, though, were quick to respond with an equaliser on seven minutes when Kieren Westwood’s surging run down the left set up Wilson Carvalho, who saw his first two shots charged down before blasting in the third past Michael Garnham.

Stratford then went ahead when Leiston failed to clear a corner and Albi Skendi drilled home the loose ball.

Leiston were back level in the 36th minute when Jake Reed’s shot deflected off a defender and looped over the stranded Richard Walton.

The same breathless pace continued after the interval with Garnham doing well to keep out a 25-yarder from Skendi.

And it was Stratford who scored the winner when Carvalho worked the ball on to his right on the edge of the area to fire past Garnham.