STRATFORD TOWN | AS YOU LIKE IT

The Bards are off the mark and ready to climb according to Josh Hawker

The sun was shining on Monday afternoon as Stratford Town secured their first Pitching In Southern League Premier Central victory of the season at the fourth attempt.

Their 2-1 triumph at Alvechurch came at the end of a week which had seen a reshuffle amongst the managerial staff as manager, Paul Davis, brought in former Birmingham City man, Paul Robinson, alongside the return of former favourite, Paul McCone.

The three Pauls were able to work their magic after what has been a stuttering start to the campaign, having just missed out on making the play-offs last time out.

“It was a massive victory for us on Monday for so many reasons,” admitted long-serving midfielder, Josh Hawker. “We dug in and showed a tremendous amount of character in tough conditions and against a good Alvechurch side.

“During the first three games of the season, we really didn’t perform at all. There’s a lot of new faces in the team and maybe that played its part? From a personal point of view, I’m still getting my fitness levels up to scratch after a stop-start pre-season where I have carried a knock into the season.

“But hopefully now there’s a lot more to come from myself and the team as we look to build on Monday’s performance.

“The addition of both Paul Robinson and Paul McCone will only strengthen us; they will bring fresh ideas to the table and experienced eyes. We’ve already seen the benefits of this and I’m sure there is plenty more to come.

“We know that it’s going to be very tough this season, it always is in this League. There are a of good teams who have joined us for this season, the likes of Quorn and Worcester City, plus others who, judging by the way they have started, have come into this level well-prepared and ready to face the challenges head-on.

“Every week it’s a tricky fixture regardless of who you are up against, but I certainly relish this kind of challenge.

“The last two seasons have seen us fall just short of reaching the play-offs, so our aim this time is to improve on that and get into that top six.

“I want to be able to play as many games as I can and perform to the level that I know I am capable of to help the team achieve its objectives. I want to be able to help those around me and play my part in helping to make us a better team.”

It’s a break from the stresses and strains of League action at the weekend as The Bards make the short trip to face Premier Central rivals, Halesowen Town, one of Hawker's former clubs, in the first round qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.

“It’s an enjoyable competition to be involved in,” Hawker added. “Every team involved at the weekend will be hoping that they can go on a bit of a run, and we’re no different. The rewards are there and whilst we know it will be a tricky first hurdle, we go into it with plenty of confidence and belief.”

IMAGE: Granty

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