Southern Premier Central previews – Tuesday August 13

Following three games last night, the remaining eight take place this evening.

Six clubs have already played twice but nobody has a maximum return of six points yet.

Callum Ebanks followed on from his fine form last season, netting an opening day for Stratford Town who were the biggest winners at the weekend. The Bards were 3-0 up at half-time against Leiston, which is how it finished. Tonight they’re away to Bromsgrove Sporting, who also hit three on day one. A 3-1 victory at reprieved Hitchin Town was a solid start in Paul Smith’s second spell at the helm.

AFC Telford United, last year’s beaten play-off finalists, drew 1-1 at newly promoted Biggleswade Town on Saturday. They host Stourbridge tonight, an added time goal from Alex Moore got them off to a winning start over St Ives Town. Meanwhile, the Waders are away to AFC Sudbury this evening. Last year’s strugglers opened with a decent 1-1 draw at Banbury United, relegated from National League North last term.

Bishop’s Stortford were demoted by a distance last season from Banbury’s division, but adjusted back to Step 3 well with a 2-1 win over Alvechurch. They’ll look to build on it tonight at Leiston.

Newly promoted Spalding United and Bedford Town met each other on Saturday, Spalding winning 1-0. They’re at Kettering Town this evening while Bedford host Royston. Kettering lost 2-1 at Halesowen on Saturday in front of the division’s biggest attendance, 1,216, while Royston saw off Barwell by three goals to two.

Harborough’s first game at this level ended in a 1-0 loss at home to Stamford. They’re at Alvechurch tonight while Stamford will look to build on their start at home to Hitchin Town.

Last night’s games saw Redditch United recover from two goals down to draw with Halesowen Town, an added time own goal by Ryan Wollacott earning a point for Tim Flowers’ side. Adriel George made it two goals in two games, converting a penalty in Banbury’s 1-0 win at Barwell while St Ives Town recovered from their opening day loss to defeat Lowestoft Town, who’ve been defeated in their first two matches.

Tonight’s fixtures:
AFC Sudbury v Biggleswade Town
AFC Telford United v Stourbridge
Alvechurch v Harborough Town
Bedford Town v Royston Town
Bromsgrove Sporting v Stratford Town
Kettering Town v Spalding United
Leiston v Bishop’s Stortford
Stamford v Hitchin Town