Ives lose again to in-form Stratford

IN-FORM Stratford Town claimed the points without ever really breaking sweat as the luckless Ives extended their losing run in all competitions to seven games.

Ives kicked off and had only touched the ball twice before they found themselves behind after only 50 seconds when Chris Cox rose unchallenged in the hosts’ box to flick home Will Grocott’s inswinging free-kick from the left.

Another Grocott free-kick from an almost identical position added to Ives woes in 23rd minute, this time helping win a corner from which Mike Taylor managed to find room to stoop down and head the dropping ball home from an almost unmissable position

After the two early goals the game evened up with neither side able to create clear-cut chances.

Ives manager Ricky Marheineke threw on striker Danny Kelly for wide man Ben Baker at half time but the hosts’ only real opportunity was a Sam Cartwright header over the top as he got on the end of a Ben Seymour-Shove corner.

Grocott was denied the goal his performance deserved as keeper Sam Wilson hurled himself full length to turn his free kick from 20 yards around the post ten minutes from time, and that proved the last real opportunity as Stratford extended their impressive and unbeaten run to ten games. STAR MAN: Will Grocott (Stratford) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★

ST IVES TOWN 0 STRATFORD TOWN 2