Stratford Town 4 Cinderford Town 2

Southern League Premier Division

Town refused to lie down and made for an uncomfortable afternoon at times for the hosts.

Both teams came into the game performing better than results might otherwise suggest and the opening exchanges were lively, with Cinderford looking far from a team anchored to the bottom of the league.

There were early chances at either end; Liam Francis slid wide for Stratford, while Callum McOnie fired a free-kick just over Niall Cooper’s crossbar.

On 27 minutes, though, Michael Taylor managed to net a second one-on-one with visiting keeper Cameron Clarke after he latched onto a through ball from the impressive Dan Summerfield.

Moments later Cinderford were almost level, as first Ben Hands, then skipper Josh Nelmes went close as the visitors looked for a swift riposte.

Just prior to the interval, Charlie Faulkner had a golden chance himself to make it 2-0 but skewed his side-footed effort away from goal.

Cinderford flew out of the blocks at the start of the second half and Cooper had to be alert to tip over a marvellous 30-yard strike from Foresters youngster Karnell Chambers.

Stratford however doubled their lead on 54 minutes when Summerfield won the ball in midfield before allowing Faulkner to chip delightfully into Taylor’s path, and the burly number nine rounded Clarke and passed into an unguarded net.

Five minutes later, Chambers – who was a constant threat to the home backline with his pace and movement – pulled one back for Cinderford when he slotted neatly beyond Cooper.

The hosts began to panic a little and Cinderford sensed a leveller, but Stratford reinstated their two-goal advantage when on 70 minutes, Edwin Ahenkorah sent a free-kick up and over the wall and away from Clarke, nestling in his far corner.

Callum McOnie reduced the lead once more with a superb curling shot low past Cooper just two minutes later, and it was game on once more.

With 88 minutes on the clock and the visitors pouring forward, Stratford broke away and the Taylor slammed home from 15 yards to seal his hat-trick and secure three points for his team.