LEWIS Ludford-Ison enjoyed the time of his life with his first career hat-trick as the Bards moved to within three points of leaders Bedford.
The playmaker was the only name on the scoresheet as he netted three times to lift Stratford up to third with a 3-0 victory over Sudbury.
Ludford-Ison grabbed the opener with a well-worked move, added his second with a superb bicycle kick.
And his third was a shot from just inside his own half.
A beaming Ludford-Ison said: “It was a great feeling to score my first career hat-trick.”
Bards boss Paul Davis – obviously trying to keep the goalscorer’s feet on the floor said: “Full credit to Lewis, he has been playing with an injury. He deserves it.”
The result leaves the Bards well-placed among a pack of clubs chasing promotion to the National League North.
If carlsburg did Tuesday nights… first career hatrick ! What a night 🧡⚽️ pic.twitter.com/XXS5Jj6ny2
— Lewis Ison (@lewisison98) February 25, 2025
Davis added: “When we went to Sudbury, they were one of the best footballing sides we’d played against. They battered us.
“They came to play the same way. And we had to set up differently to nullify that.
“It was pleasing to keep another clean sheet.”
Also in the mix at the top end of the table are Halesowen Town.
The question for Russ Penn’s side was whether they could follow up a derby victory over Stourbridge at the weekend.
The answer was in the affirmative as they left Kettering with a point following a goalless draw.
Yeltz are now in fifth, two points and two places behind Stratford.
Penn said that they have it all to play for during the run-in.
He said: “I thought we were outstanding. Their keeper was man-of-the-match. We were on the front foot today.
“You take the point, coming to Kettering. It’s hostile they’re the promotion favourites.
“Before the game, you’d have taken a point. Dan Jessop has made some fantastic saves.
“We looked fit. The hard work you put in during pre-season, this is where you see it.
“We’ve got 30 points to play for. If we get those, we’ll be right up there.
“We’ve got some big fixtures now – but then, so has everyone else.”
