Long Stratton 5, Scole United 2Long Stratton won for the ninth time in the last 10 outings, and three points places them firmly in the promotion places.

Long Stratton 5, Scole United 2

Long Stratton won for the ninth time in the last 10 outings, and three points places them firmly in the promotion places.

A 5-2 victory over Scole came despite Stratton failing to hit top gear, the scoreline in fact slightly flattering the visitors who were 5-0 down after 75 minutes.

Shaun Flint grabbed a brace as did James Barnes, all this after Stratton skipper Adam Solley had powered an 11th minute header home to open the scoring against his former club.

It was Solley's own goal, a bullet header past a stranded Chaz Sizeland in the 77th minute that triggered a late Scole rally but the points were well and truly the hosts by then.

It was a scrappy affair played out on a heavy pitch. Stratton had started with the side that finished off Holt last season but all this was disrupted as early as the ninth minute when full-back Grahame Bartlett was forced off with an injury, replaced by Lloyd Douglas.

Long Stratton are pictured in a team line-up (above). Back row, from left: Wayne Manser, Adam Solley, Shaun Flint, Kaine Challen, Chaz Sizeland, Ben Cussons, Grahame Bartlett, James Barnes, Kevin Gristwood (secretary) Jane Kent (physio).

Front row: Shaun Moss, Stephen Blunt, Sam Giacomelli, Daniel Cooke, David Robinson (co-manager), Lloyd Douglas, Dan Giacomelli (co-manager).