Stratford Town led after 45 minutes played, The Bards' skipper Paul McCone provided the hosts with their opening goal. Moments after the second-half kicked off, centre forward Callum Ebanks made it two and made it an uphill task for The Blues.

Although, Long Eaton United attempted to mount a second-half comeback, scoring twice in five minutes to equalise around the hour mark. Firstly, Owen Betts picked out the top corner and reduced the difference in the scoreline before Andrew Wright scored from the penalty spot to bring the match level.

United made several attacking minded changes with victory in sight but Andre Landell scored a late winner to confirm relegation for The Blues and bring The Bards within touching distance of the playoff spots.

Blues boss Brad Munn made three changes ahead of the match. Cieron Keane made his first start in over a month, Nathan Tyson returned in attack and Luke Martin replaced Riece Bertram at centre-half.

An early chance fell to Ebanks in the opening minutes but The Bard’s striker glanced the ball wide with a header from close-range.

The hosts continued to build momentum and took the lead in the 12th minute when Stratford Town captain McCone towered above the pack and scored with a header at the back post.

Long Eaton United slowly began to find their footing as the half progressed and looked most dangerous down the left side. In the 26th minute The Blues came agonisingly close to scoring the equaliser - Andrew Wright's cross was punched clear by Stratford goalkeeper Callum Smith but only as far as Joe Nyahwema who cut inside and rattled the crossbar with his effort from the edge of the area.

As the first-half came to a close, the hosts were denied a second goal by the woodwork; Callum Coyle’s powerful shot hit the inside of the near post but somehow stayed out to leave the deficit at one goal as we went into the break.

However, just two minutes into the second-half Ebanks found Stratford’s second with a tap-in from point blank range to double The Bard’s lead.

Despite some great chances for the hosts to further extend their advantage, Long Eaton found two goals in five minutes to bring the game level.

Jack Rogers played the ball out wide to Owen Betts on the overlap, the fullbacks initial effort was blocked but persistence paid off and his second attempt flew past Callum Smith and into the top corner to provide The Blues with a lifeline.

Four minutes later Nyahwema attempted to cross the ball and drew a foul from Smith who conceded the penalty. Wright stepped up to take the spot kick and confidently found the back of the net from 12-yards out to restore parity.

Long Eaton were in the ascendancy but The Bards found a winner in the final minute of regular time, Landell scoring his first goal for the club with a superb solo effort to keep Stratford's playoff hopes alive at the business end of the season.