Stratford boss Byfield close to clinching deal for keeper - The Stratford Observer

Stratford boss Byfield close to clinching deal for keeper

Stratford Editorial 2nd Aug, 2018   0

STRATFORD Town are close to ending their quest for a new goalkeeper.

Manager Darren Byfield has been running the rule over several shot-stoppers in pre-season after last season’s No 1 Louis Connor moved to Redditch United.

With the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Central season starting next Saturday (August 11) at home to St Neots Town, Byfield was expecting to formally get a new keeper confirmed shortly.

James Behan, who has previously played for Highgate United and Coventry United, started last weekend’s friendly at Worcester City, with West Bromwich Albion youngster Adam Pryzbek, a Wales Under-19 international, coming on for the final 20 minutes.




Dan Jezeph, who was in goal for City, has also featured for Town in the warm-up games.

Former Worcester player Mike Taylor bagged the winner at the Victoria Ground as Stratford chalked up a third win in their pre-season programme.


In an open game, Stratford were the more clinical and also had to show their resilience after conceding early on.

Joe Bates fired City into a ninth-minute lead, with a fierce effort which seemed to go through keeper Behan’s hands, but it was 1-1 just before half-time when dangerman Callum Powell skipped past two markers and then another challenge to slam his shot into the net.

Nabil Shariff bagged Town’s second seven minutes into the second half after following in a Lee Wilson’ knockback from Will Grocott’s corner.

Charlie Wilson levelled matters on the hour mark from Liam Lockett’s free-kick but Town substitute Taylor settled the contest on 73 minutes when he tucked home from Kieren Westwood’s cross following a well-crafted move.

Town ended their friendly programme last night at home to a Leicester City XI.

n Stratford will host their latest monthly sports quiz tonight (Friday) at the Knights Lane clubhouse from 8pm. Entry is £1 per head.

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