Bailey blow means a striker shortage (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Bailey blow means a striker shortage

THERE could be more ins and outs at Masons Road despite Stratford Town enjoying a purple patch after a dreadful start to the new league season.

Lennie Derby's men entertain Bar-well on Saturday looking for a fourth straight Travel Factory Alliance win and a fifth success in all matches but they may have to do it without the influential Dennis Bailey.

The former Birmingham City and QPR forward is expected to take up a position at Birmingham University where he will oversee the students' side in the Midland Combination.

That, and Neil Kitching's departure for Rushall Olympic, leaves Derby short up front although he had the experienced Shaun Bedward and former Evesham United youngster Chris Rowberry on the bench at Quorn on Tuesday.

Captain Nigel Niblett is another whose experience will be missing for the next month after suffering a recurrence of a calf problem last weekend.

However, Ashley Pringle's move into central defence has stiffened up a back line that must do without Richard Evans who has moved to Tividale.

On the plus side, Stuart Eades is back in England after a spell in the States and he was on the bench on Tuesday night.

Victory on Saturday will leave Town searching for a Leicestershire treble next week when they visit newcomers Loughborough Dynamo who were league leaders until Tuesday night's 3-0 reverse at Oadby Town.

Stratford have been given home advantage in the Birmingham Senior Cup but face a tough task if they are to progress in the shape of Southern League Premier Division Solihull Borough.