The First Round Proper of the FA Trophy begins this Saturday as the Dabbers wait with bated breath to welcome Stratford Town to the Swansway Stadium (3pm kick-off).
Strat’s Entertainment
Stratford Town, looking to send the Dabbers packing, come into this game sitting 14th in the Southern League – Premier Central, in the 7th tier. They’ve been in a bit of a pickle, winning only 1 of their last 5 league games, and unlike the Dabbers have already played this week. On Tuesday night they gave up a 2 goal lead in one fell swoop to draw 2-2 with Berkhamstead. The naked truth is it’s been a tale of inconsistency, with them only recording back-to-back wins once so far this season.
In the FA Trophy, they saw off NPL Premier side Basford United 1-0 in the last round to show they can be made of sterner stuff.
Nicknamed The Bards, as Stratford was famously the home town of William Shakespeare, Stratford have had a lot of success in the last decade or so, climbing up the divisions to reach first the Southern Football League, then their current Premier Division status, both for the first time to prove they can’t have enough of a good thing. Two seasons ago, they reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time ever, losing 5-1 at home to Shrewsbury Town in a game broadcast live on ITV, the stuff that dreams are made of.
Players to Watch
The Bards’ top scorer is striker Callum Ebanks, with an impressive 6 goals in 10 appearances. It’s no foregone conclusion in their golden boot race, however, as behind him is Dan Lafferty with 5, a good tally for a midfielder.
The most familiar name in their squad will be that of Chris Hussey. He joined Stratford in September as a player/coach and has made 5 on-pitch appearances so far. Someone who always wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s had a long career in the EFL with well over 500 appearances for teams such as AFC Wimbledon, Coventry, Bury, Cheltenham, Port Vale and most recently Walsall.
Match Information
Tickets are available online HERE, or on the gate on the day.
As always, the Cat radio will be carrying live commentary for those who may be lying low.