The McDonald Stratford AFC Soccer Team took on TSB Realty FC Western on Saturday.
Stratford was looking to improve on their effort from last week and Western were going to be a formidable opponent with their combination of youthful energy and old experience.
The game was competed at pace from the whistle with both teams setting up attacks and pushing through the defensive lines. Position and structure was a big part in both teams' game and it was Western who played it better, catching Stratford out offside on numerous occasions. Stratford reciprocated as well but when it came to holding their shape they seemed to lose out against Western's more polished approach.
With two strong teams goals were not going to come easily. Stratford developed some good opportunities but nothing eventuated until five minutes before halftime when Chris Hamlin skipped past the defence and tucked the ball away with his left putting Stratford on the board. This was quickly followed by another from Daniel White, taking Stratford two up at the break.
Being ahead took some pressure off Stratford and they seemed to improve on keeping their structure which was a good thing as Western were now more determined than ever and it became a to and fro battle up and down the pitch.