Paul McCone and Lewis Ison scored in quick succession for Straford Town and left The Blues trailing by two. Although a spirited performance saw James Spruce and Joseph Nyahwema equalise as United fought back.

However, Ison scored his second of the match in the 91st minute and denied Long Eaton a point at Grange Park. The result left Long Eaton United at the bottom of the table, while Stratford now sit just outside the playoff places after they moved level on points with Telford.

Two changes were made to the side that lost away to Stourbridge on Tuesday night. Prestyn Moore made his first senior start for the club and Spruce led the attack in place of Marley Fearon.

The Blues had a bright start but Stratford soon found their rhythm as they settled into the match. Callum Ebanks looked like he would score an early opener for The Bards as he cut into the box on his left foot and quickly switched back to his right but Callum Cocks swooped in and timed his challenge perfectly to deny the forward from close-range.

Moments later Williams found space for an effort from range but Ross Durrant was equal to it and pushed the strike wide.

Around the half-hour mark the visitors hit Long Eaton with a swift one-two. McCone’s header at the far post put Stratford ahead and Ison’s effort from the edge of the area doubled their advantage.

Ebanks continued to threaten in the final third and forced Riece Bertram to turnover possession down the right but the shot that followed deflected wide.

On the cusp of half-time Spruce raced through down the right and smashed the ball past Liam O’Brien to reduce the deficit as the teams headed in at the break.

Long Eaton picked up from where they left off in the first-half and just ten minutes after the restart Nyahwema equalised. The winger worked his way into the box and left Liam O’Brien on the floor with a drag back and found the empty net with a cool and composed finish.

Stratford brought on their top-goalscorer, attacking midfielder Daniel Lafferty, in an effort to restore their lead. Yet, with his first chance on goal Lafferty dragged the shot wide of the target.

In the final stages of the match it was anyones game. With little time left to play, Ison put away his fifth goal in his last four matches to earn three points for the visitors.