Bridgnorth Town 2, Stratford Town 1

THERE was little festive spirit on offer from players and officials as Stratford crashed to a surprise defeat.

It was a disappointing performance from the visitors who ended with just nine men after Steve Ferguson's harsh dismissal for two yellow cards and a late injury to Ian Muir.

Neither really had any bearing on the match although the defender's second foul was on a home player who should have seen red himself after a first half kick at Steve Rule right in front of the referee and his assistant.

Bridgnorth, who gave Sandwell their first win of the term the previous weekend, were much the livelier of the two sides and they took an early grip on proceedings when Kevin Thompson headed in a third minute flag kick.

Rob Simcox then flashed a 20-yarder over the top before Michael Stephenson's effort had a similar fate.

Town's best move of the half after 27 minutes saw the latter bring a great score from Simon Bryan after Jon Brant and Peter McBean had helped create the opening.

Rule then saw an effort wiped out for pushing before Warren Ayres came to Boyd Young's rescue after a mistake by the centre half.

McBean went close before Adie Fitzhugh was foiled in the penalty area and Paul John brought the sides level five minutes before the break.

The home side again came out with all guns blazing and regained the lead within five minutes of the restart when the ball fell kindly for Ian Perry to fire into the corner.

Bryan saved from McBean and Brant failed to make the most of a half-chance 18 minutes from time.

The introduction of Muir was quickly negated as the player-coach immediately limped off with a nasty lump on his thigh before Ferguson's departure denied any hopes Town might have had of saving a point.