North Leigh were counting the cost of poor finishing and a fragile defence as they went down to a2-1 defeat at Calor League Division 1 South & West new boys Stratford Town on Saturday.

The Millers, who lost at Fleet Town in midweek, had a great chance to take the lead after only 60 seconds, but Morgan Williams scooped the ball over the bar.

And they were made to pay when Stratford took the lead.

North Leigh failed to clear a cross and Richard Gregory placed it past keeper Sam Warrell.

The visitors looked the stronger of the sides and just after the half-hour mark they equalised.

Midfielder Wayne Turk let loose a powerful shot from long-range wheich took a deflection before beating Sam Brady in the Stratford goal.

But their hopes of getting something from the game suffered a blow when Stratford took the lead six minutes into the second half.

Josh Shepherd’s cross was headed in by Joe Halsall, who beat Warrell from three yards.

The Millers tried to get back into the game, but Stratford were content to soak up the pressure. The closest North Leigh came to an equaliser were two efforts from Stuart Hole in quick succession.

Hole saw his free-kick blocked before Brady saved his follow-up.

Today, they host Didcot Town.

North Leigh: Warrell, Westlake (Else 79), Organ, Turk, Hole, Caton, Bowles, Osborne-Ricketts, Walcott (McDonagh 72), Sanders (Dutton-Black 79), Williams. Sub not used: M Woodley.

Attendance: 201.