NEW signing Nabil Sharif has enjoyed a flying start to his Stratford Town career with three goals in two matches.
Striker Sharif has arrived from St Neots Town, taking Darren Byfield’s summer recruits to nine.
With Town looking to find a replacement for top scorer Ben Stephens, who has penned a two-year pro deal with Macclesfield Town, Sharif has the pedigree after scoring regularly for St Neots – including against Stratford last January – and AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
He scored twice as Byfield’s men lost 3-2 at Highgate last Thursday in their first friendly, with Robbie Bunn, Nick Seabourne and a Dan Jezeph own goal giving Gate a 3-0 lead, and was again on target in a 2-2 draw at Boldmere St Michaels.
Byfield stressed performances rather than results will be more important as he used 23 players in the matches.
The Town boss, who succeeded Carl Adams as manager last month, has also added to his ranks by being reunited with midfielder Kevin Monteiro. The French player played for Redditch under Byfield last season and also had spells in Welsh football with TNS and Airbus UK.
The build-up to the new season continues on Saturday when Stratford travel to last season’s Midland League Division One champions Walsall Wood before they visit Evo-Stik Southern newcomers Coleshill Town on Monday. Byfield then makes his first appearance on home soil when Walsall visit the MoodChimp Stadium on Wednesday (7.45pm).
Meanwhile, Town have confirmed Nathan Marsh as their new goalkeeper coach. He was keeper coach at Kettering Town for three years.
FC STRATFORD will make their bow in the FA Vase with a home tie.
Stratford, with former Town U18s boss Nick Ballinger having taken over from Dave Poulson as manager, were promoted to Midland League Division Two last term.
They have been handed a clash at home to West Midlands Premier side Bewdley Town in the Vase first qualifying round, with the tie arranged for Saturday, September 1.
