Match Preview

Match Preview – Stratford Town (H)

Warwickshire-based Stratford Town make the journey up to Grange Park on Saturday as the Blues play host to the Bards in the Southern Football League.

United were forced into multiple changes through injury in their last match as they fell to a 3-0 midweek defeat at the War Memorial Athletic Ground against Stourbridge.

It was the third time this season that Long Eaton and Stourbridge had faced each other, with the two games prior going in favour of the Glassboys, as they knocked the Blues out of both the Emirates FA Cup and the Isuzu FA Trophy.

This time round, Alfie Steward gave the hosts a one goal lead in Worcestershire, then two second half goals from Dexter Walters and Niall Flint put the game beyond reach of the Blues away from home.

The Opposition –

Stratford Town currently sit in ninth after 17 matches played with eight victories, two draws and seven defeats in the league so far this season.

In the Bards’ previous league fixture, they overcame sixteenth placed Royston Town on home soil in narrow fashion – a 2-1 victory at The DCS Stadium.

Callum Ebanks put Stratford ahead in the 43rd minute with a deft header following Charlie Williams’ pin-point cross.

Royston were then reduced to ten men early in the second half as Charlie Johnson was sent off for a late challenge on Alex Worley.

Williams then netted a goal of his own mid-way through the second half to give Stratford a two-goal lead, before Coldicott-Stevens netted a consolation for ten-man Royston.

Thus, with that victory behind them, Stratford will be full of momentum heading into this weekend’s match at Grange Park looking for a victory over the Blues.

Previous Meeting’s –

The Blues and the Bards have only ever met on one occasion in the 68+ year history of both clubs.

That match was played during the 2021/22 season at the Arden Garages Stadium in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Keiran Walker gave the Blues an early lead on that day, but Stratford were quick to respond through Enoch Andoh to level the scoreline.

Will Grocott then gave the Bards a one goal lead in the 31st minute with a neat finish, but this time the Blues responded soon enough through Romaine Graham.

With the game level at the break, it needed a late Lewis Wilson strike to secure victory for the hosts and to see them book their place in the Fourth Qualifying Round.

However, that being said, this will therefore be the Bards’ first ever visit to Grange Park, so an enthralling and competitive match is to be expected this weekend at the home of the Blues.

Match Details –

Long Eaton United vs Stratford Town
Southern Football League Premier Central
Saturday 25th November 2023 – Kick-Off 3:00pm

Grange Park (Long Eaton United)
Station Road
Long Eaton
Derbyshire
NG10 2EF

Ticket Information –

£11 Adults
£9 Concessions
£4 U16s
U16 members go FREE with membership card (limited to one member per paying adult)

£2.50 Matchday Programme

The match kicks off at 3:00pm and we advise all supporters to arrive early to avoid any queues of delays.

Card payments are preferred and accepted at Grange Park, although cash payments are still accepted.

Car Parking is available at the ground and is free, although it is subject to availability – ample parking is available in the surrounding area.

Finally, the team lineups will be announced via the tannoy prior to kick-off, and you can also find them on our official Twitter/X page, where there will also be live updates from the match.