FC Stratford missed a late penalty as Sporting Club Inkberrow held on to beat their local rivals 1-0 and return to winning ways in the Hellenic League Division One.

Having been thumped 4-0 by title-chasing Hartpury University last weekend, Sporting responded by beating their neighbours under the lights at the Recreation Ground thanks to Declan Green's 16th-minute goal. 

Stratford had a late chance to pinch a point but a penalty rattled back off the crossbar and the hosts were able to see out the game for a vital three points. 

The early control by Sporting resulted in a ninth goal of the season for Green, whose finish from close range followed a wonderful team move that ended with Alex Quaynar precision pass into the box.

Sporting continued to dominate possession and created a number of half chances but were thwarted by a combination of great goalkeeping and some rushed passes in the final third. 

Stratford we’re indebted to keeper Callum Monaghan for a magnificent one-handed save at his near post to deny the lively Max-Emilios Angelides down the Sporting left.

The second half saw the Bards sit deep looking to take the game as long as possible and keep the score at one.

This worked well and on 80 minutes, a series of deflections fell kindly for the visitors and a desperate challenge by Angelides brought down the Stratford forward.

The follow-up penalty was hammered off the bar to safety and Sporting were able to close the game out to complete a tight 1-0 victory.

The result keeps them in fourth place in the table, five points off league leaders Malmesbury Victoria, whom they face this weekend at home.