COVENTRY City have joined the queue of clubs keeping tabs on Stratford Town’s highly-rated Ben Stephens.
The 21-year-old has been invited to train with the Sky Blues this week after grabbing 17 goals in 32 games for Town this season.
The midfielder or front-runner, with nimble feet and dazzling technique, has become a player to watch and has also been asked to join Ipswich Town for a training stint.
Town manager Carl Adams says Stephens deserves his chance to impress. The player was due to link up with the Sky Blues yesterday (Thursday) and today.
“Whilst we wish to retain our talent at Stratford we will not stand in the way when we receive the right opportunities for our players, thus we are pleased that Ben is being given these opportunities,” Adams told the club’s website.
Stephens joined Evo-Stik Southern Premier side Stratford from league rivals Kettering Town 18 months ago, having previously played for Oadby Town in the United Counties League Premier Division.
Stratford, meanwhile, will hope to return to action on Saturday when they head to Kings Langley after successive postponements.
The fixture against Basingstoke which was called off last Tuesday has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 20, while the home game against Hitchin which was waterlogged at the weekend will be played a week later on Tuesday, February 27.
FC STRATFORD will be chasing a place in the quarter-finals of the Les James Challenge Cup when they entertain Bartestree on Saturday (1.45pm).
Dave Poulson’s side have endured a frustrating week after having two matches postponed.
The Midland League Division Three test at Shipston Excelsior was called off because of snow and then a waterlogged pitch at the MoodChimp Stadium put paid to Tuesday’s Challenge Vase semi-final against GNP Sports. The cup clash has now been rearranged for Tuesday, February 20.
FC Stratford battled to a 1-0 win at Hereford side Bartestree earlier this month in the league and they expect another tough contest when they meet again.
The winners will be at home to Division Two side NKF Burbage in the last eight.
On Tuesday, Stratford will meet neighbours Alcester Town under the MoodChimp Stadium lights.
