JON Ford returned for Bromsgrove Rovers last night but was unable to save the team from a 1-0 home defeat against Stratford Town in the Midland Alliance.

Stratford took the lead after five minutes when Scott Darroch beat the Rovers off-side trap and defender Ford's challenge to bury the ball past Mathew Lowe.

Rovers tried to redeem the situation but there were too many mis-placed passes in a woeful first-half performance.

They improved in the second period and after 63 minutes Kevin Banner got round the back of the defence and crossed but the ball was taken off Paul Moore's foot as he was about to shoot.

Matt Coppin headed wide from Steve Frost's centre on 66 minutes. Two minutes later Rovers had the ball in the net but only after Frost clattered keeper Warren Ayres.

Rovers: Lowe, Porter, Lloyd, Hillman, Brookes, Ford, McHugh, Frost, M Moore (Banner 33 mins), Coppin, P Moore. Subs not used: Sumnall, Wright.

An 80th minute goal from Chris Thomas gave Malvern Town a 1-0 win over Ross Town in their final pre-season friendly.