BARDS ARE HANDED A LESSON IN FINISHING
STRATFORD Town slipped out of the play-off places at the expense of an AFC Telford United side who ran out convincing winners at the Arden Garages Stadium.
A blunder from Bards keeper Callum Smith inside three minutes handed the Bucks the perfect start – Smith fumbling a high ball into the box, Ricardo Dinanga pounced on the loose ball which hit the post before ending up the back of the net off Stratford skipper Paul McCone in his attempt to clear.
It should have been 1-1 on 12 minutes when a great cross from Callum Coyle found Callum Ebanks in front of goal but the striker could only direct his header straight at Bucks shotstopper Brandon Hall.
Ebanks had another effort blocked by defender Orrin Pendley and the powerful centre-half denied him again in added time after Ebanks had neatly lifted the ball past the advancing keeper.
Telford were the better side in the second half although it was Stratford who had the first opportunity when Lewis Ison’s low drive was well saved at the foot of the post by Hall.
Montel Gibson shaved the top of the bar before Dinanga ghosted in after another defensive mishap only to fire over from eight yards.
On 79 minutes, a quick break upfield ended with Ellis Brown thumping an effort against the Stratford crossbar and then, when the rebound fell to Gibson, it needed a smart full-length save from Smith to deny him.
Chances for the Bards were limited but the visitors continued to squander chances at the other end with Gibson skying an effort after another surging run upfield from Brown.
But the Bucks finished with a flourish and the points were as good as secured five minutes into added time when Remi Walker broke down the night and squared to Brown who slotted home.
And three minutes later, the Stratford defence was caught out again when a quick free-kick sent substitute Matt Stenson clear and he rounded Smith before tucking away his side’s third of the afternoon. STAR MAN: Orrin Pendley (Telford) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★