The long trip to Stratford didn’t derail Leeks impressive recent record as they recorded the 8th win in the last 9 games. Whilst the performance level was below par they were still comfortable winners against a lowly Warwickshire side who have only recently avoided relegation.

The first half was scrappy as neither side could find a decent rhythm, once again it was Leeks youngsters who tried to raise the standard with Harry Mellor and Thomas Finney to the fore in midfield and the forward line of Noah Clark, Sam Heath and Ted Thackstone working hard to ask questions of the Stratford defence. Midway through the half Heath looked to have opened his account for the second team, however, the goal was disallowed for an earlier infringement. Leek soon recovered from this disappointment as the best move of the match involving Fin Prince, Finney and captain Ant Mellor led to a opening that was confidently converted by Thackstone.

The half time break allowed Leek to regroup and they started the second period with much more purpose and dominated the game, sharp movement and passing saw them create several opportunities and they were rewarded when Heath finished from close range after good work by Thackstone. With a two goal cushion Leek were never in serious trouble, the returning Callum Alcock controlled the game from centre back and Pete James snuffed out any danger before launching Leek into further attacks. Wide players James Aberley and James Clark saw lots of the ball in the second period, however, there were no further goals and the game played out into a comfortable victory for the away side.

Leek go into the last weekend of the season knowing that two wins gives them an outside chance of promotion.