Stratford Walking Football Club go top as Paul Clarke’s double seals dramatic comeback win

Stratford Town’s over-50s moved to the top of the Worcestershire Walking Football League table after a dramatic 3-2 win over Worcester City Walkers.

Paul Marsh put Stratford ahead after he unleased a superb long‑range strike that nestled neatly into the bottom corner.

Worcester responded quickly, with Lee Barrington firing in an equally impressive effort to level the match in what was proving to be a tight, competitive encounter.

Shortly after half‑time, Worcester took the lead when Kevin Palmer coolly converted a penalty, putting Stratford under real pressure. But Stratford were soon back on level terms as Paul Clarke turned sharply and drilled a left‑footed shot into the net after good work from Ade Parsons.

The real drama, however, unfolded in the final five minutes.

Worcester were awarded a second penalty, but this time Warren Smith produced a brilliant save, pushing the ball onto the post before gathering the rebound.

His quick thinking sparked a rapid counter‑attack, releasing Gerard McCluskie, whose long‑range pass picked out Clarke.

From the tightest of angles, Clarke somehow squeezed the ball home to complete a stunning comeback and secure all three points.

There were solid debuts for Matt Deakin and Steve Wood, while Mark Roughton worked tirelessly up and down the line throughout.

A dramatic ending, a huge team effort, and Stratford snatching a win from the jaws of defeat.

Source: https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/stratford-go-top-after-late-drama-9483763/

Related Posts

Stratford Town Over-50s bow out of WFA National Cup after penalty shootout defeat to Solihull Moors

Stratford Town Walking Football Club’s over-50s bowed out of the WFA National Cup following a closely fought 1-1 draw against Solihull Moors in Redditch. Paul Clarke gave Stratford the lead before half-time, but Pete Johnson equalised for the Birmingham Premier League champions after the break. Stratford showed tremendous resilience, holding firm despite playing 20 per […]

Stratford Town over-60s qualify for WFA Cup regional final

Stratford Town over-60s matched the efforts of the club’s over-50s side by reaching the WFA Cup regional final. The Bards secured a 3-1 victory away at Stroud Park to book their place in the regional final. A hat-trick from Mark Habberley, who has recently been invited to train with England Walking Football, sent the Bards […]

Table topping Harrogate Strays look forward to winter league

Harrogate Strays Over 70s walking football team is looking forward to the forthcoming winter season after drawing a close to the last on a high. The winter campaign starts on September 16 and will see Harrogate Strays facing two teams that have come down from league two and a raft of players in Panthers who […]

Walking footballers from King’s Lynn crowned champions of Norwich league

King’s Lynn Walking Football Club’s over-60s side has been crowned champions of the FDC Norwich League for the 2025/26 season after an impressive campaign. The Lynn squad overcame strong competition from NSS Grey, Erpingham WFC, NSS Mix, Brundall Over 60s and Horsford WFC to secure the title. They finished the season with seven wins and […]

Harrogate Strays Over 70s secure double in cup final triumph and reach National Cup finals

Harrogate Strays have completed a magnificent league and cup double — capping a remarkable first season together by adding the Northern Counties Alliance League Cup to their 2026 championship title. Travelling to Wakefield already crowned league winners, the Strays set their sights on a clean sweep. They began with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Bradford […]

Essex Women’s Walking Football League celebrate growing social value

The Essex Women’s Walking Football League (EWWFL) are celebrating their contribution to the local community after receiving their Social Value Impact Calculation from the Essex County FA, putting the positive impact of recreational league football in the spotlight. The league grew to 14 teams and 201 registered players during the 2025/26 season, representing a 16.67% […]

Author: The Walking Football

You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!