News
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 12/01/12
Brown: Now we can start
STOURPORT SWIFTS manager Rod Brown is confident he’s got a squad capable of keeping the club in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West, but now it’s a matter of finding the winning habit.
The Swifts boss has strengthened his squad in recent weeks with the arrival of Evesham trio Gary Walker, James Blake and Lewis Pountney.
Brown is set to add another new face, with the versatile Tim Jackson set to train with the squad on Tuesday.
He hopes their arrivals can spark a Swifts revival and take lift off the bottom of the table.
Swifts are eight points behind second-from-bottom Wimborne Town after Saturday’s 2-0 loss to fellow strugglers Clevedon, when they were shot down by goals from Chas Hemmings and George Brimson.
“I thought we played well in the first-half but we conceded a sloppy goal,” Brown said. “The second-half was stretched and we conceded a second in time added on.
“I think the squad we’ve got now is the best we’ve had, I’ve added quality players like Gary Walker, James Blake and Lewis Pountney. Now we have got to change mentality, we’ve forgotten how to win and we need to remember that.”
However, Swifts got back to winning ways and put a poor league campaign behind them on Tuesday night as they thrashed Malvern 7-2 in the Worcestershire Infirmary Cup.
Louis Bridges (3), Dan Taylor (2), Lee Mussell and Nathan Hands hit the back of the net.
“Malvern maybe a few levels below us it but it’s great to progress in a cup,” Brown added.
Walker and Pountney are set to miss Saturday’s league clash at Cinderford (3pm kick-off).
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 08/01/12
Beaten in basement battle
Stourport Swifts 0, Clevedon Town 2
A goal at the end of each half handed visitors Clevedon the spoils in this vital basement battle.
There was little to separate the league’s bottom two in the early stages but it was Swifts who went closest to grabbing the lead in the opening few minutes.
Lewis Pountney and Dan Polan, back at the Walshes Meadow club following a spell with Evesham United, combined only for the latter to push his shot just the wrong side of the post.
Dangerman Pountney then crashed a header against the Clevedon crossbar following good work out wide by Josh Emery.
But all that good work was forgotten on the stroke of half-time when Chas Hemmings volleyed the visitors ahead.
The Somerset side had the better of the second half and Stourport defender Chris Duggan needed to clear off the line to deny Dan Moss a second goal for the visitors.
But any hope Swifts had of salvaging a point ended in stoppage time when George Brimson chipped the ball over keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 04/01/12
Brown sets points target for survival
BULLISH Swifts boss Rod Brown has set his struggling Swifts side an 18-point target in order to avoid relegation from the Southern League Division One West and South.
A dreadful festive period means the Walshes Meadow side are bottom of the table and trailing nearest rivals Wimborne and Clevedon Town by six points.
However, despite the team’s lowly position, Brown believes a total of 18 points will be enough to avoid relegation and has targeted his troops picking up 10 in the second-half of the season.
He said: “We’re six points behind Clevedon and Wimborne but I don’t think they will get many more points than they already have.
“If we enjoy a bit of luck and avoid some major injuries and suspensions I think we’ve got a chance.
“I’ve said to the players we need to grind out 10 points and I believe we can do it.
“It won’t be easy, we’ve only got eight points so far, but that’s our target.”
Swifts will have to try and regain some confidence after losing 4-1 to Halesowen Town on Boxing Day and then being edged out by 1-0 by Bishop’s Cleeve on Bank Holiday Monday.
Against Halesowen, Louis Bridges scored a consolation from the penalty spot as Swifts were outclassed but Brown felt his side were unlucky against Cleeve.
Bridges and Dan Taylor both hit the woodwork against the Kayte Lane outfit, who had player/manager Alex Sykes between the posts for the first 19 minutes because James Nortei was delayed.
However, Michael Tambling pounced late on to condemn Swifts to a 19th league defeat of the season.
“I thought Halesowen were a class above us, we couldn’t compete with their forward line,” said the manager.
“It was a different story against Bishop’s Cleeve, we hit the bar three times early on yet the slightest mistake has cost us.
“I thought it was a good performance and we were unlucky to lose.”
Brown strengthened his squad with the addition of Evesham midfielder Gary Walker and looks set to raid the Robins again with the signing of versatile defensive midfielder James Blake today.
The manager has also boosted his striking options by bringing back Lewis Pountney to the club. The hitman, who played for Swifts last season, had been at Evesham.
Dennis Pearce is the only injury absence for Saturday’s vital home clash against Clevedon (3pm kick-off) with a thigh injury sustained on Boxing Day.
Article taken from kidderminster Shuttle 02/01/12
Unhappy New Year for Swifts
Stourport Swifts 0, Bishops Cleeve 1
A GOAL eight minutes from time sent Swifts tumbling to defeat against a Bishops Cleeve side who played the opening 19 minutes without a keeper!
The Gloucestershire side had player/manager Alex Sykes between the posts until the arrival of keeper James Nortei but the home side failed to take advantage.
It wasn’t for the lack of trying though with Swifts twice hitting the woodwork in the opening few minutes, new signing Dan Taylor rattling the crossbar while Louis Bridges had an effort strike the inside of the upright before being cleared.
Cleeve also missed good chances before half-time with Michael Tambling twice being denied by Stourport keeper Haydn Whitcombe, the second time from the penalty spot.
Josh Smith went close for Swifts five minutes into the second half when he lifted the ball over keeper Nortei only for his 40-yard effort to be cleared by a defender.
Just as it seemed the points would be shared, Tambling finally found the back of the net, pouncing on some shoddy defending to bag the 82nd minute winner.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, Mussell 6, Ashton 7, Willetts 7, Benbow 6, Walker 6, EMERY 8, Dinsley 6, Taylor 7 (Connolly 74), Bridges 6 (Boyle 69, 6), Smith 7 (Triana 82). Subs (not used): Pitt, Duggan
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 26/12/11
Boxing Day Knockout
Halesowen Town 4, Stourport Swifts 1
SORRY Swifts slumped to their 18th league defeat of the season with a below-par Boxing Day display at Halesowen.
Swifts boss Rod Brown drafted in former Evesham United striker Kevin Vogeli for his debut and he began promisingly, firing narrowly over the Yeltz target.
However Swifts’ early promise was soon undone when they fell behind after 18 minutes when hesitation in the Swifts defence allowed Naveed Arshad to strike and slot home past exposed Swifts goalkeeper Haydn Whitcombe.
Worse was to follow in the 35th minute as Swifts conceded an own goal when former Halesowen defender Dennis Pearce turned Andrew Westwood's cross past a dismayed Whitcombe.
Any prospect of a Swifts recovery disappeared just before the hour mark when Arshad added a third Halesowen goal. While most the Swifts defence were stood static appealing for offside, the striker was allowed to waltz through and score past an exposed Whitcombe.
Matters worsened for Swifts just two minutes later when Westwood combined with Lee Chilton to carve the visiting defence apart, Chilton converting clinically.
Swifts did manage a scant consolation goal on 80 minutes after Halesowen were somewhat harshly penalised for handling, Lewis Bridges banging home the resulting penalty.
The goal did little to lift Swifts' spirits as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Swifts: Whitcombe 5, Benbow 5, Ashton 5, Pearce 5, Willetts 5, Emery 5, K Evans 5, DINSLEY 6, Vogeli 4, Bridges, 5, Boyle 5. Subs: Mussell, C Evans, Pitt, Taylor, Triana.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 21/12/11
Brown calm ahead of festive fixture
STOURPORT Swifts boss Rod Brown isn’t getting too carried away by their Boxing Day clash at Halesowen Town in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West.
Swifts face their first derby of the season at The Grove (3pm kick-off) on Monday. However, with Swifts still very much in a fight to avoid relegation, this match is just another ‘big’ game in a season where every match is vital.
“I’m looking forward to playing Halesowen as it’s not often we play a local side in this league,” said the manager. “But to be honest we’re in a position where we are in a relegation fight and every game is must-win.”
After Halesowen, Swifts entertain Bishops Cleeve on Monday, January 2 (3pm).
Brown is also been keen to add some firepower to his squad and was hopeful to bring in Evesham United hitman Louis Bridges and strapping centre forward Kevin Vogeli before Tuesday night’s vital league clash at home to Yate Town.
Swifts produced a bright display on Saturday in the league but slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Gosport Borough.
A goal for Justin Bennett had fired Boro ahead but with the experienced Graham Ashton, a recent signing from AFC Wulfrunians, adding solidity to the back four, Swifts searched for a leveller.
Danny Campbell and new additions Jack Connolly and Tom Boyle went close, while Josh Emery shot at the keeper.
Josh Smith also forced a fine save from Nathan Ashmore but Swifts could not fine a way through.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 15/12/11
We'll build team that competes - Reynolds
STOURPORT Swifts chairman Chris Reynolds believes the club is in a healthy shape off the pitch, despite sitting bottom of the Southern League Division One South and West.
Reynolds is sure the Walshes Meadow club is going in the right direction and has the infrastructure in place to go forward.
He is also confident if they can avoid relegation this season, manager Rod Brown will be able to build a young team which can compete.
The chairman also reiterated the club would continue to operate on a tight budget.
He said: “Money is important but it isn’t everything, my belief is that we can build a young team which can compete at this level.
“The structure at the club is good in terms of facilities and people the behind the scenes and the team will come good as well.
“There’s nobody around who’s going to throw £20,000 at the club, we just have to live within our means.
“We’re not in a situation where somebody will be knocking on the door saying we owe them £100,000, the club pays for itself.”
On Saturday, Swifts slipped to a 15th league loss by going down 3-2 at Abingdon, despite goals for Danny Campbell and Jamie Willetts.
Stunned Swifts entertain play-off chasing Gosport Borough on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and then take on fourth from bottom Yate Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).
Meanwhile, Reynolds revealed the partnership between Swifts and Kidderminster Harriers had ended.
Swifts had agreed to allow Harriers’ academy to play at Walshes Meadow for 10 games in exchange for loan players on the fringes of the first team squad.
Midfielder Jack Cresswell did have a brief spell at Swifts in September but apart from several academy players, Reynolds felt they did not benefit from the deal.
He said: “The partnership hasn’t worked out as we would have wanted.
“Apart from Jack Cresswell we didn’t get any other players from Harriers’ first team squad.
“We couldn’t afford to let their academy side play on the pitch, so we decided to end it.
“There’s no hard feelings towards Harriers from our point of view, for whatever reason it didn’t work out.”
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 13/12/11
Abingdon United 3, Stourport Swifts 2
SWIFTS failed to capitalise on a promising first half show as they slumped to their 15th league defeat of the term at Abingdon.
The results means Swifts stay two points adrift at the bottom of Southern League South and South West but their remains optimism that boss Rod Brown and his boys can turn the corner soon following a positive first half show.
Swifts started well with Danny Campbell and Danny 'DJ' Pitt proving a real handful for Abingdon's defence.
The breakthrough soon arrived when Josh Emery released a slide-rule pass to put Campbell clear, only for the Swifts' striker to be brought down by defender Curtis Angell.
Campbell made the defender pay, by getting up to convert the resulting penalty himself to put Swifts ahead on 14 minutes.
Swifts could have increased the lead further, especially on 25 minutes when Pitt forced goalkeeper James Foster to fumble the ball, which rolled the wrong side of the post.
Abingdon eventually moved into gear as half time approached but were kept at bay when Swifts shotstopper Damian Whitcombe kept out Luke Carnell's powerful header from a 36th minute corner.
It took Abingdon just three minutes to wipe out Swifts' first half advantage, Stuart Young setting up Adam Kingsbere, whose shot went in off the underside of the crossbar.
By the 50th minute, Abingdon were ahead when the referee spotted an infringement following a goalmouth scramble and Sam Collier slotted home from the resulting spot-kick.
Credit to Swifts who came back to level on the hour when defender Jamie powerfully headed home from a corner.
However, it was Abingdon who finished the game on top and they duly sealed victory on 71 minutes when Collier cashed in on some sloppy Swifts defensive play to crash home a 25 yard screamer that gave Whitcombe no chance.
Swifts: Whitcombe; Triana (Duggan 45), Pearce (Mussell 83), Willetts, Benbow, Evans (Ashton 83) Emery, Smith, Campbell, Pitt, Hunt. Subs not used: Reeves, Budden.
Swifts star man: Emery.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 08/12/11
Brown furious at defeat
FRUSTRATED Stourport Swifts manager Rod Brown has called on his players to show some fighting spirit and urged the club to dig deep and find some extra funds.
Brown was left frustrated by Monday’s 6-2 loss at the hands of Mangotsfield in Bristol, as a squad missing six players because of work commitments and injuries was put to the sword.
While the manager acknowledges there is very little he can do about the amount of travelling in Southern League Division One South and West, which is packed with teams from near Southampton, Somerset and Gloucestershire, he is pulling his hair out at the impact it has on his squad.
He said: “I’m frustrated because this league does not help us,” commented Brown.
“We’ve had to play a game on a Monday and four players haven’t been able to come because of work.
“We’ve also got a couple of players injured, so we’ve got six players out and only two on the bench and one of those was Chris Duggan, who’s coming back from injury.
“This league makes it very difficult for us, we can’t afford to pay the players much in terms of travel expenses and we have to travel hundreds of miles south for almost every game.
“What’s worse I’ve managed to find some players for the team and they make the effort to go down only to capitulate.
“That is not acceptable, if the players don’t want to play for us they might as well call me up and tell me.”
Swifts have been desperately unlucky with injuries, with Calvin Dinsley (gashed leg) and Alex Lavery(ankle sprain) set to be out for at least another week.
With Joe Hull, Chris Knight and Dene Whittall-Williams long term injury absentees, Swifts’ small squad is being tested to its limit.
“I’ve never known so many injuries,” said Brown.
“There are three things we can do to turn this around.
“We’ve got to get the team together, we’ve got enough good enough players but it’s a matter of having them all at once.
“The players also have to show some fight and put a shift on the pitch to give ourselves a chance.
“Finally, the club needs to find a little more money from somewhere to reward our better players.
“We’re not a sexy club and we don’t pay much, all we can offer them is regular football, but if we can pay them £50 instead of £30 it might make the difference.”
Dennis Pearce, Nathan Hands, Danny Campbell and Sam Hunt should be available for Saturday’s league clash at bottom half of the table Abbingdon (3pm kick-off), after work commitments kept them from the Mangotsfield clash.
Despite goals for Lee Mussell and Josh Emery, Swifts produced a leaky display near Bristol.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 06/12/11
Mangotsfield Utd 6, Stourport Swifts 2
SWIFTS slumped to a hefty defeat in the West Country, a brace of penalties helping hosts Mangotsfield to the points.
They bagged their opener after 17 minutes and added another three before the break.
Karim Rendall netted the first from close range as the Swifts defence failed to deal with a corner.
Four minutes later and Joe McClennan doubled the lead with a fine volley past Haydn Whitcombe, the impressive Rendall supplying the cross.
Another corner led to Mangotsfield’s third on 28 minutes, Gary Colborne threading his effort through a crowd of players, before the visitors replied on the half-hour when Lee Mussell tapped home from close range following good work down the left from Julian Triana.
But it was the home side who finished the half on top and Neil Arndale slotted home the first of his penalties three minutes before the break following a foul by Whitcombe.
A goalline clearance early in the second half from Jamie Willetts seemed to lift Rod Brown’s side and they reduced the arrears again on 55 minutes with a stunning DJ Pitt strike from the edge of the box.
But any hopes of a Swifts fightback were snuffed out four minutes later when Daine O’Connor slotted home a fifth for the home side with Arndale completing a miserable night for the visitors when he fired home his second penalty on 65 minutes following a clumsy Mark Benbow challenge.
Swifts: Whitcombe 6, Budden 6, Aston 7 (Reeves 67, 6), WILLETTS 9, Benbow 6, Evans 7 (Duggan 74), Emery 7, Triana 7, Pitt 6, Mussell 7, Stephens 6.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 29/11/11
Injuries hurt Swifts in cup
Stourport Swifts 0, Evesham United 2
Stourport bowed out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup, a second half double steering managerless Evesham through to the semi-finals.
With former Swifts player-coach Matt Clarke set to take over the reins at Common Road later this week, the Evo-Stik Southern Premier side edged home thanks to a classy display from skipper Craig Wilding who controlled the midfield battle.
But Stourport’s cause was not helped by two first half injuries that led to replacement keeper Haydn Whitcombe entering the fray as a makeshift striker!
The home side went close to taking a second minute lead, midfielder Calvin Dinsley hitting the upright with a 25-yard free-kick.
Swifts keeper Dan Platt did well to turn away a Ben Mackey strike on 14 minutes before the home side created their best chance of the game just before the interval, Alex Lavery exchanging passes with Kyonn Evans only to have his shot blocked by the legs of Evesham keeper David Bevan.
Dinsley and striker Lavery failed to emerge for the second period, Danny Campbell and Whitcombe – the only fit substitutes – taking their place. And this allowed the visitors to slowly take control.
Former Swifts frontman Lewis Pountney came off the bench to head Evesham into a 55th minute lead with his first touch of the ball, the striker climbing highest to meet Josh Quaynor’s corner.
Marcus Palmer doubled the lead on 67 minutes after Wilding’s clever pass and sliced open the Stourport defence and substitute Jamie Clarke was inches away from adding a third in the final minute.
Swifts: Platt 7, Stephens 6, Hunt 6, WILLETTS 8, Benbow 7, Pearce 7, Emery 6, Dinsley 6 (Whitcombe 46, 6), Lavery 6 (Campbell 46), Budden 6, Evans 6. Reps (not used): Pitt, Mussell.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 28/11/11
Bideford 1, Stourport Swifts 0
A goal five minutes from time ensured Swifts returned from north Devon empty-handed.
Keeper Dan Platt pulled off an excellent save to keep out a Kevin Squire blockbuster but when the ball broke free, James Mudge pounced to prod home.
Stourport should have been in front early on but a well-struck Jamie Willetts effort was matched by an excellent save from Bideford’s Ollie Chenowith.
Some excellent defending from both sides kept chances to a premium although Swifts did go close midway through the second period when Kyonn Evans drilled an effort over the target from 12 yards.
It looked as though the points would be shared until the home side grabbed their last gasp winner.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 23/11/11
Brown hails Swift's spirit after first win in 10
SWIFTS manager Rod Brown hailed his team’s battling performance as they ended their nine-game winless run in the Southern League Division One South and West with a 2-1 win over Wimborne.
Goals for Danny Scheppel and Craig Dinsley were enough for the bottom team to taste a rare home win.
However, while Brown was pleased with his side’s dogged performance in the second half to hold onto victory, he felt his side did not play that well.
He said: “Football is a funny old game sometimes.
“We didn’t play well at all, we didn’t retain the ball and as a result we invited Wimborne onto us from the start.
“Even though we didn’t start well we scored two goals but I was pleased with the way the lads battled in the second half.
“We didn’t play as well as we have done in recent weeks but when you’ve not won for a while you will take it.”
The Walshes Meadow side made the perfect start when Scheppel forced the ball home from a corner.
Dinsley then fired into the far corner from 20-yards to double Stourport’s advantage in the 16th minute.
Despite Wimborne pulling a goal back from the penalty spot, Swifts battled hard to hold onto the points.
Brown will be hoping his side can build on their win, but they face a tough test at second in the table Bideford on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Experienced midfielder Mark Benbow will miss the game because of a wedding but Dennis Pearce played a full 90 minutes on Saturday after recovering from injury.
Alex Lavery, who has returned from travelling, is also looking to find his match fitness and has played several Sunday League games.
Meanwhile, Brown is not sure if striker Mike Taylor will return to the club after he was recalled by Worcester City.
Taylor, who has scored eight goals for Swifts, played for Worcester in their Worcestershire Senior Cup trouncing of Redditch on Monday.
Brown said: “Mike wants to play as high as he can and I can understand that but at the moment he’s not quite there.
“Worcester have a lot of good strikers and I don’t think he’ll get into the side at the moment.
“I spoke to Carl Heeley about him returning to us but he’s not quite sure what’s going on. Hopefully I will find out before Saturday.”
Swifts entertain managerless Evesham United in the Worcestershire Senior Cup quarter-finals at home on Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 20/11/11
Dinsley goal ends run
Stourport Swifts 2, Wimborne Town 1
Swifts boss Rod Brown called on both youth and experience as Stourport secured their first home league win of the season.
Evergreen midfielder Danny Scheppel opened the scoring for the Walshes Meadow side but it was youngster Calvin Dinsley who bagged the all-important second.
The home side started strongly and their pressure was rewarded when Scheppel forced the ball home following a corner.
The visitors were still reeling from that when Swifts struck again, Dinsley firing into the far corner with a powerful 20-yard drive on 16 minutes.
Wimborne’s hopes were raised ten minutes before the break when they were awarded a penalty and Matt Kemble made no mistake from the spot.
This spurred the visitors on and they had the better of the second half chances with Kemble proving a constant threat.
On 65 minutes he let fly with a shot from the edge of the area only to see it fly just the wrong side of the target. And the Town dangerman then put a header wide from six yards in the final few minutes.
The win lifted Swifts level on points with second from bottom Yate Town ahead of next week’s tricky trip to high-fliers Bideford Town.
Swifts: Platt 8, Evans 7, Pearce 8, Willets 8, Benbow 8, Scheppel 7 (Lavery 68, 7), Forde 6 (Triana 20, 8), DINSLEY 9, Campbell 6, Pitt 7, Hands 7 (Hunt 46, 7). Subs (not used): Reeves, Whitcombe.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 17/11/11
We need a slice of luck
SWIFTS manager Rod Brown is hoping his side’s luck will turn after watching bad fortune strike in Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Bridgwater Town in the Southern League Division One South and West.
The Walshes Meadow outfit cancelled out Aaron Cornwall’s opener for Bridgwater thanks to Kyon Evans.
However, Swifts had Mike Taylor and Jamie Willett spurn strong chances, which were punished when keeper Haydn Whitcombe dropped the ball to goal-scorer Dave Pearse.
Brown felt defeat was harsh on his side, who had created more than enough chances to win the game.
He said: “We were sloppy for the first 20 minutes and Bridgwater scored but after that we improved a lot.
“We were really good in the second half and if I’m honest we murdered them.
“Mike Taylor missed two one-on-ones and Jamie Willetts headed one wide and we should have won.
“We at least deserved a point but Haydn [Whitcombe] was unlucky as he dropped the ball right to their lad, who scored an easy goal.
“I’m trying to turn us from a side who wins those sort of games and it’s taking time, we need some more luck and more quality.
“But it’s hard to add more quality when our budget is so small.”
Midfielder Josh Emery is set to return to the side after being laid low by a stomach bug at the weekend, when Swifts entertain fellow strugglers Wimborne on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Player/coach Dennis Pearce could be back after recovering from his recurring injury problem.
They were set to play Yate Town at home next Tuesday but the game has been delayed because of their involvement in the Red Insure League Cup.
Like Swifts, Saturday’s opponents are on a long winless run in the league but Brown has refused to get his hopes up because of the league position of the opposition.
He finished: “I’ve stopped looking at where in the league our opponents are because it doesn’t make any difference.
“We’ve played well against sides near the top and lost to teams around us.
“All we can do is concentrate on ourselves.”
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 13/11/11
Town and out in Somerset
Bridgwater Town 2, Stourport Swifts 1
Swifts remain rooted to the foot of the table after losing out at Bridgwater – their eighth defeat in nine league games.
The home side started the better with Matt Townley firing just over the Stourport target with just two minutes on the clock.
But it was only a matter of time before the Somerset outfit opened the scoring and they duly obliged on 11 minutes when Aaron Cornwall volleyed home after the Swifts defence had failed to clear a corner.
Leroy Swaby failed to take advantage of an open goal for the home side just before the break while Stourport’s best chance fell to DJ Pitt but Bridgwater keeper Sam Hutchings denied him.
The introduction of substitute Danny Campbell for the second half finally spurred the visitors into action and the striker linked up with Michael Taylor within minutes of the restart only for the latter to miss out in front of goal.
Hutchings then saved well from Campbell and Taylor before midfielder Kyonn Evans pounced on the rebound to haul his side level on 52 minutes.
But Town bounced back to grab a 70th minute winner, Dave Pearse scoring after a Townley effort had been well saved by keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
Swifts: Whitcombe 6, Forde 6, Reeves 7, Benbow 7, WILLETTS 8, Dinsley 7 (Hands 79), Scheppel 6, Evans 6, Taylor 7. Pitt 6 (Campbell 46, 6), Triana 7. Subs (not used): Hunt, Platt
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 08/11/11
Super Swifts soar through
Stourport Swifts 9, Bromyard Town 0
Swifts breezed into the next round of the Worcester Infirmary Cup with this resounding victory over their Herefordshire visitors.
The visitors kept Stourport at bay for nearly half-an-hour but five goals in 12 minutes leading up to half-time ended any hopes Bromyard had of causing an upset.
Calvin Dinsley fired home the opener on 27 minutes direct from a free-kick with Kyonn Evans scoring twice in as many minutes to put Swifts in control.
The impressive Evans then turned provider when he crossed for Michael Taylor to head home on 35 minutes with new signing Nathan Hands making it 5-0 three minutes later.
Two goals within a few minutes of the restart ensured it was a case of damage limitation for the West Midlands League outfit.
Taylor headed his second just seconds into the half with DJ Pitt pouncing on a keeping error to add the seventh.
Striker Taylor completed his hat-trick on 79 minutes with Dinsley rounding things off five minutes from time following some good work by Julian Triana.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 03/11/11
Brown no longer prepared to compromise his style
SWIFTS boss Rod Brown admits he’s going to adopt a no-nonsense back-to-basics approach in order to stop the team’s poor run of results.
Brown watched his side edged out 1-0 by Didcot at home in the Southern League Division One South and West on Saturday and then go down 5-2 in the Red Insure Cup at Stourbridge this week.
Swifts are struggling at the bottom of the table and are on an nine-game winless streak.
The manager wants to turn his side into a hard to beat outfit.
He said: “I’ve compromised my principles in recent weeks and I think I’m not going to do that anymore.
“Maybe it’s because we’ve got a young group of players, or the travelling, or that Swifts aren’t the sexy club anymore but I’ve let certain things slip.
“We haven’t worked hard enough and we need to.
“I want us to get back to being hard to beat.”
On Saturday, the Walshes Meadow outfit were shot down by Danny Seaward’s goal as Didcot won 1-0.
Calvin Dinsley, who along with Nathan Hand and Sam Hunt joined from Evesham last week, missed a chance to grab a point.
On Tuesday night, former Swifts hitman John Griffin scored four as weakened Stourbridge put them to the sword.
Josh Emery, back after a three-week injury absence, scored a penalty and DJ Pitt grabbed Swifts’ goals.
Swifts have a free weekend on Saturday but are targeting a much-needed win on Tuesday, when they take on Bromyard in the Worcestershire Infirmary Cup at home (7.45pm kick-off).
Brown added: “We need that all-important first win.
“It would give all the lads the boost they need.
“We’ve got young players here but some of them are doing really well.
“Jamie Willetts, who we signed from the youth team, has really come good during a tough spell.”
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 01/11/11
Stourport Swifts 0, Didcot Town 1
CALVIN Dinsley was inches away from rescuing a point for Stourport Swifts at home to fellow strugglers Didcot.
But ultimately it was to be another dismal day for Swifts who had to play for more than an hour with just ten men.
Goals have not been in short supply for the Swifts in recent weeks and frontrunner Michael Taylor could have handed them a dream start but dragged his shot wide of the target after just five minutes.
The visitors thought they had made the breakthrough midway through the half but a Danny Seaward header from a corner was chalked off for a push.
Swifts defender Lee Mussell saw red on 29 minutes, the referee sending him off for a late challenge on Town’s Kevin Halliday.
And Didcot made their extra man count nine minutes into the second half when skipper Alex Stanley slotted home from close range, punishing some hesitant defending.
Rod Brown’s side searched for a way back into the game but Dinsley’s late strike from just outside the box was the closest they came to troubling the visiting keeper.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 26/10/11
Brown has reason to be cheerful after Swifts push leaders
MANAGER Rod Brown believes his side can start looking forward with some positivity after seeing Stourport Swifts put in a spirited performance against Southern League Division One South and West leaders Hungerford Town.
Despite being on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline, Brown’s side pushed Town all the way, with Worcester City loanee Michael Taylor grabbing a hat-trick for the home side on Saturday.
Swifts actually led twice in the game before suffering a sucker-punch six minutes from time, when the table-toppers snatched all three points with the seventh goal of the game.
Brown believes despite this loss his side can look forward to the coming weeks with more optimism, as they aim to move off the bottom of the table.
“In the last three games we have been very unfortunate not to get more than just the draw which we picked up against Taunton Town,” said Brown.
“I really feel we have turned the corner now as we have been putting in some good performances recently but the results don’t really show that unfortunately.
“In the last few weeks I have been really pleased with the way which we have gone about the actual playing side of things.
“The effort of the squad has justified more than just a single point return out of the last few games.
“We have really got to try and break the habit of not picking up the points which we deserve to.”
He added: “The trouble is we have been suffering due to the availability of players because a number of differing reasons.
“It is killing us really, take last Saturday for example — we only had 11 players to take on the league leaders.
“Hopefully that situation will start to improve in the coming weeks though.”
Experienced defender Matt Clarke has been added to Swifts’ injury list after sustaining a knee ligament problem last week.
With Clarke looking to get back onto the management scene it had been rumoured this could well bring an end to his playing days.
Brown though was not looking too far ahead about the future of one of his most experienced defenders.
He said: “Matt has done something to his cartilage in his knee.
“I know he is coming to the end of his playing days, but we are just waiting for him to get a scan before he decides what he is going to do.”
Clarke is just one of a number of players who are currently on the sidelines, with the manager having to do without 10 first team squad players due to a variety of reasons.
Brown explained: “The injury situation here at the club isn’t great at the moment, and we aren’t in a position where we can just go out there and get a host of new players as we have a number of players to come back into the squad in the coming weeks.
“The main aim for us this season is to just stop in the division as there is going to only be one side going down.
“We have just got to avoid finishing in bottom spot and that is something which I feel we will do.”
This Saturday sees Stourport facing a Didcot Town side at Walshes Meadow which sit two places and just one point ahead of them in the league table.
“We have been a bit unfortunate with our fixtures as we have played one team in the bottom seven,” added Brown.
“These upcoming fixtures against Didcot Town and Yate Town are going to be really big ones for us in the next couple of weeks.”
n Swifts’ youngsters lost a seven-goal thriller 4-3 at Boston United to exit the FA Youth Cup third qualifying round in spectacular style last Wednesday.
Connor Smith, Jack Cullity and Jack Roe hit the back of the net in a game where Swifts had went 2-1 up by half-time but then fell 4-2 behind.
With the scores at 4-3, a strong penalty call for a foul on Cullity was also turned down.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 23/10/11
Stourport Swifts 3, Hungerford Town 4
HAT-TRICK hero Michael Taylor couldn't save Swifts from their 10th league defeat of the term as they lost out to league leaders Hungerford.
However Swifts still managed to frighten the lives out of Hungerford and twice took the lead in this classic top verses bottom contest.
Taylor, who is on loan from Worcester City, stunned the leaders after just five minutes when a sudden burst of pace took him past Hungerford's central defensive pairing before cleverly rounding goalkeeper Stuart Wood and slotting home from an acute angle.
It quickly became obvious that Taylor's turn of pace could prove a real threat to Hungerford and twice more during the opening exchanges he left the runaway leaders flatfooted as he raced past them, before shooting narrowly wide on both occasions.
Hungerford weathered the early storm and started to show why they are five points clear at the top.
Playing a patient passing approach game, they started to punch holes in Swifts' defence but were repeatedly kept at bay by goalkeeper Daniel Platt who produced a string of fine saves, the best of which saw him dive full stretch to turn a goalbound shot from substitute Jamie Gosling round the post right on the half hour mark.
Platt was finally beaten two minutes before half time following a fantastic 35 yard screamer from Hungerford central defender Mattie Day and Swifts' supporters began fearing the worst.
However Hungerford were left stunned again on 52 minutes when Taylor's pace took him past two defenders before beating Wood with a delicious lob.
Hungerford soon hit back. Nicholas Ogbanuff stole in at the far post to head home Dean Stow's cross on 61 minutes.
Then substitute Harry Goodger deflected home a free-kick from the edge of the box four minutes later top put Hungerford ahead.
Credit to Swifts who refused to lie down and rocked Hungerford when they levelled on 69 minutes.
The leaders failed to clear Danny Pitt's cross and Taylor rose highest to head home.
It wasn't enough as Hungerford struck the decisive goal six minutes from time when Goodger headed home Stow's corner at the second attempt after his initial effort hit the underside of Swift's crossbar.
In truth Hungerford should have added further goals in the final moments as Goodger was guilty of missing a couple of sitters while Platt pulled off a point-blank save to keep out Gosling with the last kick of the game.
Swifts: Platt 8, Demonte 7, Duggan 5, Willetts 5, Reeves 5, Benbow 5, Pitt 5, Scheppel 4, Taylor 8, Dinsley 5, Evans 5 Subs (none used): Clarke, Bromley, Whitcombe, Campbell.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 19/10/11
Ten men edge contest
Stourport Swifts 0, Sholing 1
A goal deep in first half injury time handed ten-man Sholing the points at basement club Stourport.
Swifts had started strongly with striker Michael Taylor going close after five minutes. But the tenth minute dismissal of visiting keeper Lee Webber, for his trip on Taylor who had clipped the ball past him, seemed to knock the Walshes Meadow side off their stride.
Sholing’s Iain Seabrook had an early header cleared off the line by Chris Duggan while Paul Preston headed over late in the half.
The goal came two minutes into added time, Byron Mason forcing the ball over the line from six yards after keeper Dan Platt failed to collect Seabrook’s cross from the left.
If Platt was at fault for the goal, he went some way to atoning for that error on 64 minutes when he brilliantly kept out a close-range header from impressive Sholing frontman Lee Wort.
With the visitors content to protect their lead in the closing stages, the Swifts struggled to find a way through and their best chance of and an equaliser fell to substitute Danny Campbell four minutes from time but his effort was deflected over the target.
Swifts: Platt 7, DEMONTE 8, Jennings 4, Willets 6, Clarke 6 (Campbell 72), Benbow 6, Duggan 7, Triana 7, Taylor 7, Pitt 6, Evans 7. Sub (not used): Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 17/10/11
Late strike denies Swifts
Taunton Town 4, Stourport Swifts 4
A goal deep in injury time denied the Swifts a deserved three points on their trip to Somerset.
Two goals from recent signing Michael Taylor looked to have secured a vital victory but it wasn’t to be.
Stourport made the perfect start with Julian Triana scoring a fine solo goal inside the opening 15 seconds.
The home side levelled midway through the half when Craig Veal turned home a John Vance cross before DJ Pitt restored the visitors’ lead three minutes later following some good work from former Worcester City frontman Taylor.
Taunton levelled for a second time before the break through Vance before the Swifts took a grip on the game with back-to-back goals from Taylor midway through the second half, his second from an impossible angle.
Even when Ross McNab handed the home side a lifeline on 72 minutes, it looked as though all three points would be heading back to Walshes Meadow.
But Simon Ingram dashed those hopes when he netted Taunton’s equaliser three minutes into injury time.
Swifts: Whitcombe 6, Demonte 7, Mussell 7, Willets 8, Benbow 8, Scheppel 7, Duggan 7, Emery 6 (Pitt 8, 8), TAYLOR 9 (Campbell 90), Triana 8, Evans 7. Subs (not used): Platt
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 13/10/11
Brown seeing positive side despite Trophy exit
SWIFTS boss Rod Brown admitted to being encouraged despite their FA Trophy exit at the hands of Daventry this week.
Good news has been thin of the ground at Walshes Meadow in recent weeks but a dogged performance on Saturday and a leveller for DJ Pitt ensured a 1-1 draw and a replay.
However, Swifts’ efforts were in vain on Tuesday night as they lost 3-1 Daventry, despite Josh Emery’s goal.
The Trophy replay was marred by Swifts captain Matt Clarke and his opposite number Aaron Parkinson both being sent off.
However, Brown was delighted with the performance of keeper Dan Platt and his young squad’s determination, particularly in the first game.
He said: “Daventry could have won by a big score on Saturday but Dan Platt pulled off some really good saves.
“It was 0-0 at half-time and I just told the lads to ground it out and credit to them they did.
“In the replay, I thought we were on top but when both players were sent off, Daventry adjusted better to being down to 10 men.
“It was a ridiculous sending off, they had both gone in for the ball and were just trying to prevent the other player from getting up first.”
Brown is also hoping the injury crisis sweeping Swifts will be eased with the return of some players when they resume the Southern League Division South and West at the weekend.
On Saturday, they go to Taunton Town (3pm kick-off) and then entertain Sholing at home on Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).
Mark Benbow and Mike Taylor (who was cup-tied by parent club Worcester) are set to return.
Shabir Khan has just one more suspended game to serve before he can return.
In a significant lift, midfielder Nathan Hayward played on Tuesday night for the first time in six weeks after recovering from a broken bone in his foot.
Brown added: “We’ve got a few players coming back so that gives me some encouragement.
“It’s still very hard at the moment and all we can do is keep our chin up.”
n Meanwhile, Swifts made history as they booked their place in the FA Youth Cup third qualifying round for the first time ever with a 3-0 win over Lye Town last week.
Goals for John Seekings (2) and Ben Hayes lit up Walshes Meadow to ensure a trip to Boston United on Wednesday, October 19 (7.30pm kick-off). Swifts had already beaten Gornal Athletic and Coventry Sphinx to progress.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 12/10/11
Daventry 3 - 1 Swifts
THERE will be no FA Trophy run for Stourport Swifts this season thanks to this defeat at Daventry Town.
Daventry made all the running in the early stages, but had to wait until the 28th minute to take the lead, Adam Confue providing the pass from which James Travis pulled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
On the stroke of half time, both sides were reduced to ten men when home skipper Arron Parkinson lunged into a tackle on Stourport captain Matt Clarke, who responded by swinging a punch at his opponent; the referee was given no option but to dismiss both players.
Daventry continued to dominate after the break, and it was no surprise when Travis scored his and Town’s second midway through the half, almost a mirror image of the first as he controlled in the area before turning to drill right-footed beyond Daniel Platt.
Callum Burgess put the result beyond doubt with Daventry’s third goal ten minutes from time, as he met Nathan Hicks’ corner with a powerful header which Platt couldn’t keep out.
Substitute Danny Scheppel and Chris Duggan combined to create a consolation goal for Josh Emery five minutes later, Emery chesting down and firing home from close range but there was to be no grandstand finish.
Swifts: Platt 6, Demonte 6, Mussell 6, Clarke 4, Willetts 5, Hayward 5 (Scheppel 73), Duggan 7, Emery 7, Triana 7, Pitt 6 (Jennings 61, 5), Evans 5. Subs not used: Benbow, Whitcombe.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 09/10/11
Platt's heroics earn replay
Stourport Swifts 1, Daventry Town 1
An outstanding display from keeper Dan Platt earned Stourport a second bit of the cherry – an FA Trophy replay at Daventry on Tuesday.
The visitors dominated for long periods of the game but struggled to find a way past the impressive Swifts stopper.
Mark Bellingham finally managed to find the back of the net a minute before the break, beating Platt with a shot after being sent clear by Darren Confue who had won the ball in midfield.
Further Daventry chances went begging after the break as the home keeper continued to perform heroics.
And with 19 minutes to go, Swifts were handed a lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot following Luke Edwards’ foul on DJ Pitt.
It was the striker who took the kick and he made no mistake, forcing the tie to a replay and ending a run of four straight defeats for Rod Brown’s side.
Swifts: PLATT 9, Demonte 7, Mussell 7, Willets 6, Pearce 6 (Bromley 25, 7), Scheppel 6, Duggan 6, Emery 7, Triana 7, Pitt 7, Evans 6. Subs (not used): Campbell, Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 06/10/11
Young Swifts make history with FA Youth Cup progress
STOURPORT Swifts made history as they booked their place in the FA Youth Cup third qualifying round for the first time ever with a 3-0 win over Lye Town on Wednesday night.
Goals for John Seekings (2) and Ben Hayes lit up Walshes Meadow to ensure a trip to Boston United on Wednesday, October 19 (7.30pm kick-off) in the next round.
Swifts had already beaten Gornal Athletic and Coventry Sphinx to progress.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 05/10/11
Scale of injury crisis worries Swifts manager
STOURPORT Swifts boss Rod Brown admits the club's injury crisis is so bad it's like 'climbing a mountain wearing a pair of slippers'.
The Walshes Meadow outfit were without a host of players for Saturday's 2-0 loss at Paulton in the Southern League Division One South and West.
Such is the scale of Swifts' problems, the manager was also glad to see Tuesday night's relegation six-pointer against Yate postponed, because of their FA Cup second qualifying round replay at Bodmin tonight.
Swifts were without Mark Benbow (ankle), captain Dene Whittall-Williams (ligament strain), Dean Bromley (work commitments), Chris Knight (stretched ligament), Nathan Hayward (broke foot bone) and Gareth Jennings.
To make matters worse, new addition Josh Emery and experienced midfielder Danny Scheppell did not make the match.
This meant the Swifts boss was forced to field only three substitutes, one of which was goalkeeper Haydn Whitcomb, who was replaced in the starting line-up by Dan Platt.
Despite their problems, Stourport did their best to frustrate promotion-chasing Paulton, with the experienced Matt Clarke, 38, playing well.
However, goals for Nick Dunn and Jamie Taylor ended the bottom team's resistance "With the injuries we've got at the moment, it's like try to climb a mountain in a pair of slippers," lamented the manager.
"We take one step forward only to take two back, which is very frustrating.
"I was happy to see Yate called off because we had so many injuries we'd have struggled and it was a very important game for us.
"This is a dififcult time for us but if we can get through the next two weeks and get some of the players back we'll be looking better."
Brown is hoping to have Emery and Scheppell available for Saturday's FA Trophy preliminary round clash with Central Division side Daventry.
Mark Benbow could return but Clarke is away on holiday.
Joe Hull and Pearce are also doubts after picking up knocks at the weekend. On a positive note, Hayward has resumed light training after recovering from a broken metatarsal.
On Saturday, Swifts face a tough test against Daventry in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy (3pm kick-off) Daventry shook off poor league form to beat Premier Division Leamington 2-0 in the FA Cup.
"Daventry have had a bad start to the season but they beat Leamington in the FA Cup on Saturday," commented Brown.
"They've got a big budget and that result could be the one to kick-start them.
"We're going to be struggling for players again and we're going to have to play beyond our expectations to get a result."
If there's a definite result on Saturday, Swifts entertain Bromyard Town in the Worcestershire Infirmary Cup on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 02/10/11
Platt cannot deny Paulton
Paulton Rovers 2, Stourport Swifts 0
Veteran defender Matt Clarke and young keeper Dan Platt performed heroics for Swifts but they could not deny high-flying Paulton all three points.
Platt pulled off a string of early saves, the pick of which saw him keeper out efforts from Dan Cleverley and the impressive Ben Lacey.
Swifts also cleared two efforts off the line and looked like they had survived the first half onslaught only for Paulton to find a way through just before the break.
With five minutes of the half remaining, Lacey collected a Nick Dunn pass 15 yards out and fired a shot beyond the reach of Platt.
Stourport’s cause was not helped when defensive pair Joe Hull and Dennis Pearce picked up injuries early in the second half.
And the home side took full advantage, extending their lead within ten minutes of the restart, Jamie Taylor scoring following some good work from Lacey.
There was a late chance for Michael Taylor to net a consolation goal on his debut but he was denied by a smart save from Paulton keeper Kyle Phillips.
Stourport’s only other effort of note fell to substitute Dan Pitt but he was beaten to a through ball by Phillips.
Swifts: Platt 8, CLARKE 8, Pearce 7 (Demonte 45, 6), Willets 7, Hull 7 (Pitt 54, 6), Evans 6, Duggan 6, Mussell 6, Campbell 7, Taylor 7. Triana 7. Sub (not used): Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 29/09/11
Bottom Swifts look for points
SWIFTS boss Rod Brown has called on his players to ‘stick their heads above the parapet’ as the Walshes Meadow club face a vital week in the Southern League Division One South and West.
Swifts slumped to the bottom of the table after their 1-0 loss to Tiverton on Saturday.
They go to third-placed Paulton Rovers on Saturday (3pm kick-off) but the big game comes on Tuesday, when they entertain second from bottom Yate Town (7.45pm kick-off).
Brown said: “We played Paulton at home and I thought they were one of the best sides in the league.
“We’ve not really played any of the sides at the wrong end of the table so that makes the Yate game a big six-pointer for us.
“We’ve got to start getting points and players are going to have to stick their head above the parapet.”
Swifts were shot down by Mark Saunders’ goal on Saturday as they struggled to find the back of the net.
The departure of John Griffin to Stourbridge and Aaron Lloyd’s return to Causeway United has severely depleted Brown’s striking options.
With Chris Knight also out with a stretched cruciate ligament, Brown has been forced to bring in more firepower and has drafted in Worcester City youngster Mike Taylor and Tividale striker Danny Campbell.
Midfielder Josh Emery has also joined from Worcester.
“It can be hard to motivate some lads when results are not going well and Aaron has moved on,” added Brown.
“Mike Taylor’s quick and I know Danny Campbell from my days at Bromsgrove Rovers.
“I wasn’t worried about goals at the start of the season because we had Chris Knight, Aaron Lloyd and John Griffin but we’ve lost two of them and have moved on.”
Dennis Pearce played his first game since recovering from injury against Tiverton and Brown was enthused by the performance, if not the result.
He added: “It was an encouraging performance but we were let down by a mistake for their goal.
“That was my strongest squad and I think we can only improve.
“Joe Hull was outstanding for me and I am hoping we can get some results.”
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 15/09/11
Break from action suits Swifts boss
Harriers midfielder Jack Cresswell has joined Stourport Swifts on loan
STOURPORT Swifts boss Rod Brown is looking forward to a break from a relentless run of fixtures after last night’s (Wednesday) game league game at Thatcham Town, writes Paul Jenkins.
Brown is going to take his players on a team-bonding session on Saturday as they don’t have a game due to being out of the FA Cup.
Ten of the 18-man-squad are under 19-years-old and Brown thinks they are feeling the pace of a hectic start to the season in the Southern League, which has seen only one win from seven games and a 1-0 defeat at home to Taunton on Saturday.
He said: “We’re struggling at the moment there’s no doubt about it, but it’s been a tough start to the season and everyone is working hard to rectify the results.
“We have only lost one game by more than a goal so we have been competitive. but we probably lack a bit of quality and that is something I have to look at.
“The problem is bringing in quality costs money and we have the lowest budget in the league so we can’t compete financially.
“This is where they youngsters come in, but of course they have the legs but not the experience.
“I think this is where we are this season, we are going to win a few and lose a few but we need to bring in the players to ensure that we are at least competitive.”
The enforced break will also give Brown the chance to bring in new players as he continues to be active in the transfer market.
Former Crewe and AFC Telford goalkeeper Daniel Platt made his debut against Taunton after joining from Nantwich Town and former Kidderminster and Redditch defender Joe Hull has joined from Hinckley United.
Brown is also looking at three of the academy players from Kidderminster Harriers and Dennis Pearce, who has not played since pre-season, will make his first league start in the next game, at Tiverton Town a week on Saturday.
Midfielder Jack Creswell made his debut against Taunton after joining on loan from Harriers.
Meanwhile, Brown tipped striker John Griffin to shine after his move to Premier Division side Stourbridge last week.
Despite Swifts struggling for form, the hitman had carried on his goal-scoring form from the previous campaign.
Brown said: “I can’t blame the lad for going , he was always going to attract attention with his goals.
“He’s a good player and he’s going to what I think is a very good club.
“It’s a big step up for him, they have a very strong squad and he will have to fight his way into that.
“But I think he is capable of doing that and there is no way we will stand in the way of any player who gets the chance to play at a higher level.”
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 11/09/11
More Meadow Misery as Swifts Slump
Stourport Swifts 0, Taunton Town 1
Stourport’s miserable week culminated in another disappointment as they went down by a solitary goal at home to their Somerset visitors.
The Swifts, who had crashed out of the FA Cup in midweek, offered little and could have lost by a greater margin had it not been for an impressive display from keeper Dan Platt.
The game’s only goal came after 42 minutes. Danny Lane and Craig Veal combined with the latter chipping the ball in to Ross McNab who fired home from just outside the area.
Platt made a string of good saves as Taunton looked to add to their tally, the pick of them to deny dangerman McNab midway through the second period.
Swifts: Platt 7, Mussell 6, Khan 7 (Triana 83), WILLETTS 8, Whittal Williams 6, Cresswell 7 (Demonte 71), Duggan 6, Benbow 6. Knight 6, Lloyd 7, Evans 6 (Pitt 83). Subs (not used): Jennings, Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 01/09/11
FA Cup Preview
STOURPORT Swifts boss Rod Brown has called on his young players to end their FA Cup misery when they entertain minnows Stones Dominoes on Saturday (1.30pm kick-off) in the preliminary round.
The Walshes Meadow outfit will be eager to end their hoodoo in the world’s most famous club knockout competition and win their first tie for four years.
They go into the game buoyed by a 1-0 win over Bishops Cleeve on Bank Holiday Monday, their first win of the season in the Southern League Division One South and West.
However, Brown will not be taking the North East Counties League side for granted and has had them watched.
Progress into the first qualifying round will also pocket the club £1,500, which would be a significant boost ,with Barwell waiting in the next round.
“This will be Stones’ FA Cup final playing a team like Swifts, so we won’t be able to take them for granted,” Brown commented.
“But it’s a big game for us as well, the chairman has told me we’ve not got through this round in three years, so we’re eager to end that run.
“It won’t be easy but the lads have been boosted by Monday’s win, so it’s a good time for us to go into the cup.
“The prize money would come in handy, victory on Saturday would provide us with the equivalent of nearly three months’ budget.”
Swifts go into the game lifted by their win over Bishops Cleeve, sealed by John Griffin’s goal. Victory came three days after a promising display in a 2-0 loss at home to Paulton Rovers.
Brown, who also secured the signature of Stafford Rangers midfielder Alex Forde, was delighted with the application of his players on Monday.
He said: “We have nine players under the age of 20-years-old, our budget is tiny compared to many of the clubs we’re playing.
“Playing Paulton on Saturday was like Swansea or Norwich taking on the big spenders in the Premier League.
“Because of that we have to work twice as hard as anybody else in the league and which is what we did against Bishops Cleeve.
“We have played better than that this season but the work ethic was first class and that was the difference.
“The team is young and we’ve a few guys here from Kidderminster Harriers, but if this team can stick together for next season we’ll have an exciting team.”
Aaron Lloyd (groin) and Chris Knight (shin splints) are doubts for Saturday’s cup clash.
Article from Kidderminster Shuttle 30/08/11
Griffin strike bags first win for Swifts
Bishops Cleeve 0 Stourport Swifts 1
STRIKER John Griffin bagged his fourth goal of the season to steer the Swifts to their first win of the campaign.
The frontman found the net midway through the first half to secure the points against a Cleeve side that went into the match looking to extend their perfect home record.
It was Stourport who threatened first when Aaron Lloyd set up strike partner Griffin but his shot was easily gathered by James Nortei in the home goal.
In reply Cleeve had a shot by debutant Adam Mace collected at the second attempt by Hadyn Whitcombe who also did well to collect an effort from Carl Brown.
Griffin’s goal on 26 minutes followed some sloppy defending from the Gloucestershire outfit. A long ball upfield by Dene Whittal-Williams was weakly headed towards his own keeper by Cleeve’s Sam Avery and Griffin nipped in to lob home.
The home side were denied an equaliser by a fingertip Whitcombe save, the Swifts keeper pushing a powerful Elliot Kennedy header over the crossbar.
Brown sent an effort just too high late in the half while Kennedy drilled a shot inches wide at the start of the second half.
Stourport’s best chance of the second half fell to Griffin but, after latching on to a Nathan Demonte cross, his shot was well taken by the Cleeve keeper.
Swifts: Whitcombe 8, Demonte 7, Triana 7, Willets 7, Whittal-Williams 8, Mussell 8, Forde 6, Scheppel 6 (Benbow 20, 7), GRIFFIN 8, Knight 7 (Pitt 75), Lloyd 7 (Duggan 63, 7). Subs (not used): Granger, Evans.
Match report from this weeks Shuttle 23/08/11
Keeper shines as Swifts pegged back by North Leigh
Stourport Swifts 2, North Leigh 2
SWIFTS have a real find on their hands in 19-year-old goalkeeper Haydn Whitcombe.
The young shotstopper produced a scintillating display and almost certainly saved Swifts from defeat by pulling off a string of superb saves.
He helped Swifts secure their first point of the season at the third time of asking, although boss Rod Brown would have hoped for more after his side went 2-0 up just before the hour.
Swifts had taken a sixth minute lead when Chris Knight flicked on for John Griffin to force home past hesistant goalkeeper Sam Warrell.
And when the promising Aaron Lloyd headed home a second on 59 minutes following a fabulous cross from substitute Julian Triana, the prospect of victory looked likely.
However, Whitcombe had already produced plenty of heroics by that stage as Oxfordshire outfit North Leigh began chalking up the chances.
Whitcombe had already kept North Leigh at bay in the first half with two top class saves to keep out John Mills and Andy McCabe.
Then Whitcombe had to thank Aaron Lloyd who headed a Brian Bowles corner off the line.
Whitcombe excelled at the start of second half exchanges, somehow clawing a Stuart Hole effort round the post before bravely blocking at McCabe's feet six minutes later.
He kept his best save of all until the 63rd minute when pushing McCabe's seemingly certain goalbound shot round the post.
McCabe must have despaired at this point, but the North Leigh marksman finally had the last laugh, beating Whitcombe with a looping header on 70 minutes.
The Oxfordshire side always threatened a further goal, which finally arrived in the 89th minute.
Whitcombe was judged to have brought Mills down when clean through Swifts' fragile defence and Hole stole the keeper's thunder by scoring from the resulting penalty.
Swifts need to improve quickly and must hope experienced Matt Clarke and Dennis Pearce are soon available to batten down a threadbare defence.
Swifts: Whitcombe 9; Duggan 7, Mussell 6, Willetts 6, Whittal-Williams 6, Jennings 6 (Reynolds 57, 6), Evans 6, Scheppel 6 (Triana 57, 7), Knight 6 (Pitt 60, 6), Griffin 7, Lloyd 8. Sub not used Demonte
Artical taken from Kidderminster Harriers programme from Saturday 14th of August 2011.
Match Report from Kidderminster Shuttle
17/08/11
Swifts fail to build on opener
Stourport Swifts 1, Cinderford Town 3
A battling second half display wasn’t enough to hand the Swifts their first points of the season.
A string of fine saves from keeper Haydn Whitcombe kept the visitors at bay in the first period. He kept out a Dale Evans penalty on 24 minutes, awarded following a push by Mark Benbow, and then denied Craig Tait from close range late in the half.
Stourport had posed few threats but were awarded a penalty a minute before the break when Dan Pitt was fouled by visiting keeper Ben John and John Griffin made no mistake from the spot.
But the lead was cancelled out in injury time when a Cinderford corner was not cleared and Tait swept the ball home from 15 yards.
Another good save from Whitcombe denied Danny Haines early in the second half but the Swifts keeper was helpless to deal with Andy Lewis’ powerful header from a 51st minute corner.
From then on Stourport piled on the pressure. Pitt stuck the outside of the post with a shot while Griffin was denied by a good save.
Kyonn Evans also flashed one wide before Cinderford netted on the break, substitute Luke Sommers punishing some sloppy defending.
There was still time for Swifts’ striker Aaron Lloyd to crash a header against the bar but it was the visitors who took the spoils.
Swifts: WHITCOMBE 8, Demonte 6, Triana 6, Benbow 6, Whittal-Williams 5, Duggan 7, Reynolds 5 (Granger 63, 6), Hayward 6 (Pitt 27, 6), Griffin 8, Lloyd 7, Evans 7. Subs (not used): Mussell, Willetts
Match Report from the Kidderminster Shuttle
14/08/11
Evans nets on Swifts debut
Poole Town 3, Stourport Swifts 1
A late strike from substitute Kyonn Evans proved little consolation for Stourport as they slumped to an opening day defeat at Southern League newcomers Poole Town.
The former Worcester City youngster came off the bench after the break and capped an impressive display with a goal three minutes from time.
Poole, finally promoted to the Southern League after winning the Wessex League for the past three seasons, started brightly and Scott Joyce netted an 11th minute opener.
He had gone close moments earlier only for his shot to be cleared off the line.
But Poole’s pressure told again on 32 minutes when Carl Preston struck the goal of the game, a fierce drive from outside the area that gave Swifts keeper Hayden Whitcombe no chance.
The introduction of Evans spurred the visitors into life and they should have reduced the arrears on the hour when the winger picked out John Griffin but his shot was directed straight at the keeper.
That miss was punished by the Dorset outfit who made it 3-0 just two minutes later, Dan Cann finding the roof of the net with a well-struck shot from 20-yards.
Swifts: Whitcombe 8, Mussell 6 (Demonte 75), Triana 6, Benbow 6 (Willetts 64, 7), Whittal-Williams 8, Duggan 7, HAYWARD 8, Reynolds 6, Lloyd 7, Griffin 7, Pitt 7 (Evans 57, 7). Sub (not used): Granger
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