GOALS from Steve Davies and James Mortimer-Jones were enough for Cirencester to further their bid for the Division One South & West title with a 2-0 victory over free-scoring Stratford Town.

Ciren were under pressure from the off, with Glyn Garner forced to come to his side’s rescue with a decent save from Garner to deny Stratford forward Tyrone Fagan, but the men from the Corinium were soon on the attack as Lee Smith turned well but could only fire his shot over the bar.

Will Morford turned well and fired a stinging volley just wide before Richard Gregory, the league’s top scorer, found a way past Garner but his effort clipped the post and came back into play before the hosts were able to clear well.

Matt Liddiard must have thought he had given Ciren the lead when he thundered a header back off the Stratford bar, meaning the two sides went into the break locked at 0-0.

After the interval Garner had to be at his best again to keep the sides level, but Ciren did soon have their lead. Smith was brought down in the box by Rowley and it was Davies who slotted home the resulting penalty to give his side the lead.

Ciren were now well in control and the lead was doubled when Mortimer-Jones unleashed an unstoppable left-footed volley which flew into the top corner.

It looked as if the hosts would coast to a comfortable victory, but the result was soon in doubt when Leigh Henry tripped a Stratford forward in the box to give away a penalty. Gregory stepped up to take it but Garner guessed the right way and made the save which ensured his side took the points.