CARL ADAMS wants Stratford Town to end the season in style as they target a best ever points tally and highest ever position in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier.
Town ended a run of five defeats in a row on Tuesday night when they delivered a 6-2 demolition of hosts St Ives Town.
Stratford lie in 14th spot – matching last season’s final position – with 54 points, two less than last term, as they prepare for the final week of the campaign.
They entertain Basingstoke Town on Saturday in the final home game of the season and then end with a trip to Bishop’s Stortford next Saturday.
After recent frustrations, boss Adams says his players should approach the games with confidence, thanks to a scintillating first half five-goal display at St Ives.
The opening half salvo all came from different players, with Ben Stephens then adding his second of the game to take his goals tally to 24 as Town celebrated their biggest win of the season.
Charlie Evans fired Town ahead after just two minutes, capitalising after Mike Taylor’s cross was not dealt with, but St Ives responded to level moments later through Peter Clark.
Stratford, however, remained on the front foot and Edwin Ahenkorah smashed home on 17 minutes from Stephens’ pass.
Jimmy Fry pounced for 3-1 seven minutes later after Liam Francis’ header had been parried.
Stephens’ delightful finish and Taylor’s lob over the advancing keeper pushed Town further ahead before Tom Knowles converted a penalty for the hosts just before half-time.
Town’s win was complete 11 minutes into the second period when Will Grocott and Stephens left the home defence befuddled and Stephens steered home his shot.
It was the perfect response after the 3-1 defeat at Biggleswade Town on Saturday.
The home side edged ahead three minutes before the break through Jack Bowen and, although Stephens levelled from a 52nd-minute penalty after Jazz Luckie was fouled, further strikes from George Bailey and Taishan Griffiths settled the contest.
