Match Report: Regents Park HOME

Stratford Athletic 1 - 0 Regents Park Rovers

Sunday, 3 March 2013 - KO 10:30 - North Marsh, Hackney

Squad: Deacon; Wachowski, Wall, Hope, P. Stanley (Hauser); Kelly (Kirby), Reynolds, Jones (C), Venus; Bishop; Bocking

Stratford Athletic managed to steal all three points at home to Regents Park Rovers on Sunday, notching their second win in as many weeks.

Alex Bocking scored the only goal of a scrappy game on the marshes as he latched onto the end of a through ball from Ryan Bishop in the second half.

Chris Deacon kept Rovers at bay with two big saves in the first half while Tom Wachowski and club legend Pete Stanley (returning from injury) made crucial challenges on the wing to deny the away team any space.

Athletic showed off some of their best passing play throughout the opening period, creating space with short sharp passes in front of the Regents Park back four. Despite a few half-chances in the opening 45 minutes, nothing could break the deadlock and the teams went in level at half time.

The second half went the same way as the first, with both sides getting into a midfield battle that often ended in a long ball forward.

While Stratford continued to slowly build up their attacks, Rovers put the pressure on. They were halted by Matt Wall and Nathan Hope defending brilliantly down the middle.

The only goal of the game (that's right Stratford fans) was as 'route one' as they come. A goal-kick from Deacon was brought down by Bishop, who knocked the ball into Bocking's path and the striker finished clinically. He just got in ahead of the onrushing keeper and the ball rolled slowly over the line.

For the last 20 minutes Stratford went all-out defensive. The urgency completely went from those in red shirts and maintaining the lead was the only priority.

Twice the away team came close. First from a long ball forward which missed their striker's head by inches before Deacon collected the ball in mid-air. The second was their best chance. A cheeky chip over the back four sent the tall forward away and, despite the protests from the static Stratford defence, he found himself one-on-one with Deacon. This time the Stratford No.1 stood firm and blocked the ball with his left leg before the Reds cleared their lines.

Manager Mike Earll introduced Darryl Kirby as a set of fresh legs before handing a debut appearance to Asa Hauser. Hauser, who wore 'SMITH' on the back of his shirt for some unknown reason (perhaps it's a nickname) was proud of his display. Earll stuck with his youth policy by bringing the attacker to the club but clearly doesn't want to rush the lad into the squad. Management.

The final whistle brought relief to the thousands of fans who stayed long after the game to chant the gaffer's name. Assistant Manager Doddsy came to face the media and thanked the fans for their loyal support.

He chuckled: "It's great to hear the fans getting behind the club. We earned our first clean sheet and I'm sure they're just as proud as we are. I hope Deacon doesn't spend that clean sheet bonus all at once."

He also spoke at length about the referee's performance.

"He was alright," admitted Winthrop.