Jack Duffy scores the winning goal as Stamford AFC beat Barwell in the Southern League Premier Division Central

Stamford made it six games unbeaten in the Southern League with a single goal victory away at Barwell on Saturday.

Jack Duffy marked his return from suspension by firing the winning goal in the Premier Division Central clash.

The victory means only goal difference is keeping sixth-placed Stamford out of the play-off spots ahead of Saturday's home match with Alvechurch.

There were two changes from the win over Redditch United with Duffy and Stacey Freeman replacing Joe Burgess and Tendai Chitiza.

There was also a return from injury for Luke Redfern who was on the substitutes' bench.

The hosts started brightly and Ash Chambers received the ball from Kane Richards but his effort was saved by Tom Jackson in the Stamford goal.

Chambers then had another effort which was easily saved.

Barwell had another chance when Tyrell Waite fired a shot goalwards but his effort was saved by Jackson.

Stamford took the lead after 27 minutes when Joao Varela slid a ball into Duffy who drove the ball across the keeper and into the net.

Barwell looked to respond and Deen Master had a shot blocked by James Blunden at the expense of a corner. This was followed by another effort by Chambers which was over the bar.

As half-time approached, Duffy set up Tobias Liversidge but the Daniels man put his header over the bar.

Both sides looked for goals after the break but the chances were limited in the opening period of the half.

Lee Shaw and George Hobbins both had efforts but neither troubled Will Highland in the home goal.

With 15 minutes to play, Stamford were awarded a penalty after Duffy was brought down by Highland.

The Barwell keeper had already been booked in the first half and was sent off after being shown a second yellow card.

Barwell had no substitute keeper so former Daniels player Ollie Brown-Hill came on and took over the gloves.

His first job was to face Blunden who was charged with taking the spot kick. Brown-Hill dived the wrong way but luckily for him the ball went wide of the post.

This motivated Stamford to look for a second goal and Shaw had an effort which went over the bar.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes, the home side pressed for an equaliser.

First, Herve Pepe Ngoma had a header which was deflected away for a corner and, from the resultant set piece, there was a scramble in the Daniels penalty area before being cleared from danger.

Stamford attempted to counter and Shaw had an effort which was deflected wide as the Daniels saw out the remainder of the contest to secure the victory.