Match Reports
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 09/12/12
Star man Platt beaten by late strike
Stourport Swifts 1, Coventry Sphinx 1
Swifts needed keeper Dan Platt to produce a man of the match display as Stourport secured a share of the spoils at home to Coventry Sphinx.
And although the visitors’ equaliser didn’t come until injury time, they would have returned to Coventry with all three points had it not been for a number of excellent saves in the latter stages of this entertaining tussle.
Matthew Bannister almost handed the visitors a 13th minute lead but Platt was equal to the task.
Jon Griffin put an effort wide at the other end with Mark Smith also going close for Swifts early in the second half.
The breakthrough came on 69 minutes. A corner was only half cleared by the Sphinx defence and when Joe Adams crossed, substitute Paul Hurrell flicked the ball on for Smith who headed home from close range.
With four minutes to go, Swifts were reduced to ten men when Adams was shown the red card for a challenge on Tom Dyke.
Platt had already made a number of saves to keep out efforts from Bannister, Kyle Rhodes and Harry White and he then managed to turn a Louis Guest effort around the foot of the post.
But the visitors’ pressure finally told in injury time when Bannister powered home his last gasp equaliser.
Swifts: PLATT 9, J Jones 7, Willets 8, Smith 8, Benbow 7, Adams 4, Mahon 7 (Evans 72), Walker 7 (Dinsley 54, 6), Pountney 7 (Hurrell 63, 6), Griffin 7, D Jones 7. Subs (not used): Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 02/12/12
Super Swifts see off in-form Heather
Heather St John’s 2, Stourport Swifts 4
Swifts produced a dazzling display to dispatch a Heather side who went into the game on the back of a five-match unbeaten run.
But the confidence of the Leicestershire outfit took an early bashing as Stourport struck twice by the mid-point of the first half.
Defender Mark Benbow broke the deadlock on 14 minutes, drilling the ball home from a corner.
Lewis Pountney doubled the lead on 21 minutes with a far post header before Heather were thrown a lifeline three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty following an innocuous challenge from Mark Smith and Ryan Nash duly netted from the spot.
It was Swifts who continued to play the better football after the break and they restored their two-goal cushion on 67 minutes when Daryl Jones’ cross from the left sailed over the home keeper and nestled in the far corner.
Nash struck his second with a free-kick on 78 minutes that caught out Dan Platt in the Stourport goal.
But it was the visitors who had the final say, midfielder Joe Adams capping a good display with a goal that followed a fine sweeping move from the Swifts.
Swifts: Platt 6, Smith 6, Benbow 7, Willetts 7, J Jones 7, D Jones 7 (Jackson 75), WALKER 9 (Dinsley 85), Mahon 8 (Hurrell 80), Griffin 5, Pountney 9, Adams 8. Subs (not used): Evans, Whitcombe.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 25/11/12
Swifts miss chance to close gap
Stourport Swifts 1, Causeway United 1
Stuttering Swifts missed another chance to close the gap on Midland Alliance leaders Stratford Town as they were held to a draw by visitors Causeway.
Stratford’s draw with Dunkirk had opened the door for Rod Brown’s side but it wasn’t to be and Stourport remain six points adrift.
It was Causeway who threatened first with Aaron Lloyd putting a header wide of Haydn Whitcombe’s goal after 16 minutes.
But Swifts survived that scare and opened the scoring just four minutes later when John Griffin played a clever one-two with strike partner Lewis Pountney before placing the ball past the United keeper.
Stourport went on to dominate the remainder of the half and should have been further ahead by the break but a 35th minute Joe Adams free-kick hit the upright.
Pountney went close at the start of the second half with a header before the visitors drew level on 64 minutes when Stuart How headed home a cross.
Brown made three changes in the closing stages and it was substitute Calvin Dinsley who almost set-up a Stourport winner, whipping in a cross but Griffin’s six-yard header sailed just past the post.
Swifts: Whitcombe 6, J Jones 6, Willets 7, Smith 6, D Jones 7 (Benbow 83), Adams 6 (Evans 74), Walker 7, Mahon 6 (Dinsley 71), Pountney 7, GRIFFIN 8, Jackson 6. Subs (not used): Burrell, Platt.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 18/11/12
Sweet revenge dents Swifts title bid
Continental Star 3, Stourport Swifts 0
Stourport missed out on their chance to close in on league leaders Stratford Town as they slumped to defeat at Continental Star.
And it was a case of sweet revenge for the home side who had been knocked out of the FA Cup by Swifts earlier in the season.
With title rivals Stratford and Boldmere St Michaels losing, three points for Rod Brown’s side would them edged them to within a win of top spot.
But it wasn’t to be as Star clinched a deserved win helped by a delightful goal from Nevis & St Kitts international Aaron Garvey.
With a number of players unavailable, Brown handed debuts to young Stourbridge loanees Aaron Griffiths and Tom Baldwin.
And it was the visitors who created the early chances only for Lewis Pountney to miss out.
The home side opened their tally five minutes before the break when Ibrahim Benjamin pushed the ball beyond defender Mark Benbow before rounding keeper Dan Platt to score.
Griffiths had a chance to level on the hour only to be denied by a good save and two minutes later, Rikardo Reid doubled the home side’s lead with another breakaway goal.
Pountney rattled the Star crossbar with another effort before Garvey wrapped up the points with the goal of the game, sending a fine curling effort over keeper Platt and into the net.
Swifts: Platt 6, Baldwin 7 (Evans 61, 6), Willetts 7, Spencer 7, Benbow 6 (Jones 71), Dinsley 7, WALKER 8, Mahon 7, Griffin 7, Pountney 7, Griffiths 6 (Jackson 69, 6). Subs (not used): Hurrell, Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 11/11/12
Super Swifts ooze 'six appeal'
Dunkirk 1, Stourport Swifts 6
Swifts stepped up their title push with this emphatic victory over Dunkirk – a three-goal burst midway through the first half seeing off the home side.
It was John Griffin who handed Stourport the lead after just seven minutes, steering a low shot beyond keeper James Mountain after some good approach work from Jordan Jones and Joe Adams.
The goal spree began on 26 minutes when Jones headed home after Griffin’s initial effort had been blocked by the keeper.
A minute later and Swifts struck again, this time with the goal of the game. Lewis Pountney gathered the ball, played a neat one-two with Griffin before producing an excellent finish to give Mountain no chance.
Jones bagged his second of the game on 29 minutes, a side-footed effort, with Gary Walker making it 5-0 seven minutes into the second half.
Kieron Wells did head home a consolation effort for Dunkirk midway through the half but it was the visitors who had the final say when substitute Kyonn Evans slotted home his side’s sixth after Jones’ effort had been saved.
With Midland Football Alliance leaders Stratford Town also winning to keep their six-point cushion intact, the victory was vital for Swifts as they maintained their title challenge.
Swifts: Platt 7, J Jones 8, Willets 8, Spencer 8, Smith 8, Adams 7 (Mahon 65, 7), WALKER 9, Dinsley 7 (Evans 60, 8), Griffin 9, Pountney 8 (Hurrell 63, 7), Jackson 8. Subs (not used): D Jones, Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 04/11/12
Swifts bounce back in style
Stourport Swifts 4, Heath Hayes 0
Swifts returned to winning ways with this emphatic four-goal drubbing of Heath Hayes.
And it was striker pair Lewis Pountney and John Griffin who led the way, Pountney scooping the Man of the Match honours while Griffin helped himself to a hat-trick.
Stourport dominated from the start but it took two goals in six minutes midway through the opening half to hand them the initiative.
Griffin netted his opener on 22 minutes when Tim Jackson’s cross was headed back across goal by Pountney for the hat-trick hero to turn home from close range.
Pountney doubled the lead with a looping header over the Heath Hayes keeper who he managed to beat to a Jordan Jones cross.
The only blot on Stourport’s copy book came on the hour when Kevin Spencer was shown a red card for violent conduct following an altercation with a visiting player.
But that failed to hinder the home side and they ran in two further goals from Griffin.
He made it 3-0 on 72 minutes following more good work from his strike partner before completing his treble two minutes from time with the best goal of the game, cutting in off the wing before drilling his shot into the bottom corner.
Swifts: Platt 7, J Jones 7, Willets 8, Spencer 4, Smith 8, Adams 7 (Hurrell 76), Walker 8, Dinsley 7 (Evans 74), Griffin 9, POUNTNEY 9, Jackson 8 (Bridges 80). Subs (not used): P Jones, Whitcombe.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 28/10/12
Swifts suffer second straight defeat
Bridgnorth Town 2, Stourport Swifts 0
Swifts suffered a second successive defeat at Bridgnorth and their 11-match unbeaten run at the start of the campaign is in danger of becoming a distant memory.
Manager Rod Brown brought back former keeper Dan Platt but it was a day to forget for the visitors who struggled to create anything to trouble the home side.
Bridgnorth opened the scoring on 19 minutes when Jason Pike let rip with a free-kick that Platt could only help into the net.
A rare Stourport foray into the Town area saw Tim Jackson’s impressive run allowing him to link up with Jordan Jones but the latter’s shot flew straight at the Bridgnorth keeper.
And any hopes of the visitors claiming anything from the game were dashed just two minutes into the second period when Anwar Olugbon made ground down the left before cutting inside and curling a shot beyond the diving Swifts keeper.
Injuries to defensive pair Kevin Spencer and Mark Benbow did not help Stourport’s cause and it was left to Jamie Willetts to produce a Man of the Match display and stop the home side from adding to their tally.
Swifts: Platt 6, Jones 6, WILLETTS 8, Spencer 6 (Bridges 51, 6), Benbow 6 (Hurrell 68, 6), Adams 7, Walker 7, Dinsley 7, Pountney 6, Griffin 6, Jackson 6. Subs (not used): Evans, Taylor, Whitcombe
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 21/10/12
Controversy surrounding Swift's first defeat
Stourport Swifts 0, Gornal Athletic 1
Swifts suffered their first league defeat of the season, going down to a controversial goal late in the first half.
But they would have extended their unbeaten run had it not been for Gornal keeper James Pemberton who pulled off a string of fine saves including one to keep out a Joe Adams penalty.
It was the visitors who started the better but could not find a way through the Stourport defence until ten minutes before the break. Marvin Nisbett chased on to a pass and although keeper Haydn Whitcombe appeared to reach the ball first, the Gornal striker rolled it into the net after the ball broke loose in the challenge.
Whitcombe took a kick to the head in the process prompting a lengthy delay as he was treated on the pitch.
The controversy surrounding the goal seemed to galvanise the Swifts and they dominated the proceedings in the second half.
On 54 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Lee Whorton fouled Louis Bridges but Adams’ penalty was saved by Pemberton.
The Gornal keeper then did well to keep out a Jordan Hones effort but it was the impressive Lewis Pountney who suffered most at the hands of the shotstopper, Pemberton keeping out a handful of excellent efforts from the Stourport striker.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, J Jones 7, Willets 6 (Smith 71), Spencer 6, Benbow 6, Walker 7, Mahon 6 (Dinsley 46, 7), Adams 7, POUNTNEY 8, Griffin 7 (P Jones 75), Bridges 6.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 15/10/12
Dire Vase display results in Swifts
Causeway United 2, Stourport Swifts 0
A lacklustre performance by Stourport condemned them to a swift exit from this year's FA Vase.
Only Lewis Pountney – who twice went close in the closing stages – emerged with any real credit against a Causeway side who produced their Sunday best to book their place in the second round.
The home side made the running from the start with Scott Stevenson hitting a sweet half volley against the bar on eight minutes, Stuart How blasting the rebound over the target.
Stourport's only real chance of the half came shortly after when Calvin Dinsley's shot was well saved by Causeway goalkeeper Tom Turner.
It was all Causeway after this though and they took the lead on 23 minutes when an amazing 30-yard shot by Adam Meacham found its way into the net through the hands of Swifts keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
On 33 minutes, Carl Martin crossed for How to head over and Darren Whitley did the same from a Stevenson corner in first half injury time.
The second period produced the same one-way traffic with Whitley heading over before How had a shot which Causeway thought had crossed the line.
It was How who doubled the lead on 76 minutes, finishing well after gathering a lovely pass from substitute Stefan Ashman.
Stourport finally woke up at this point and substitute Paul Jones crossed for Pountney whose header was brilliantly saved by Turner.
The Swifts striker again went close a minute later when he headed over but this was to be Causeway's day as they ran out comfortable winners.
Stourport: Whitcombe 6, Jones 5, Willets 6, Spencer 6, Smith 5, Walker 5, Evans 5, Dinsley 4, POUNTNEY 7, Griffin 4, Jackson 5.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 10/10/12
Urn defeat for Swifts
Alvechurch 2, Stourport Swifts 1
Jordan Jones struck his third goal in four games – but it wasn’t enough to keep Stourport in the Worcestershire Senior Urn.
Swifts made the worst possible start, going behind after just two minutes when Jamie Spencer steered his shot beyond keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
But the visitors were back on level terms on 26 minutes. Louis Bridges picked out Lewis Pountney with his cross and the striker laid the ball off to Jones who fired past Liam Maher in the Alvechurch goal.
The second half was just as tight with the Swifts continuing to create chances.
But it was the home side who struck the winner on 57 minutes when an inch-perfect pass from James Cosgrave picked out Ryan Edmunds and he made no mistake.
The visitors almost forced the tie into extra time when, with two minutes remaining, defender Jamie Willets got on the end of a cross only to steer his header just over the Alvechurch crossbar.
Swifts: Whitcombe 6, Jones 7, Willets 6, Spencer 7, Benbow 7, Walker 6 (Dinsley 78), ADAMS 7, Hurrell 7 (Evans 78), Pountney 7 (Griffin 63, 6), Bridges 6. Subs (not used): Taylor, Bannister
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 07/10/12
Jones opener paves way for Swifts
Stourport Swifts 3, Kirby Muxloe 0
Swifts kept up the pressure on Midland Football Alliance leaders Stratford Town with this excellent win against an in-form Kirby side.
And they made the perfect start, opening the scoring inside ten minutes through Jordan Jones.
Tim Jackson and Lewis Pountney were involved in the build-up before John Griffin fed Jones whose slick finish gave the visiting keeper no chance.
Stourport continued to dominate the half and duly doubled their lead on 21 minutes when a corner was flicked on by Griffin for Kevin Sawyer to turn home at the far post.
The Leicestershire visitors arrived at Walshes Meadow looking to extend their six-match unbeaten run and they came more into the game after the break.
But any hopes they had of claiming something from the game were totally dashed Swifts made it 3-0 on 54 minutes. Midfielder Kyonn Evans was the creator, jinking his way into the area before setting up Calvin Dinsley to finish off the move.
Kirby’s best chance of grabbing a consolation came on the hour when Haydn Whitcombe was forced into a good save to keep out a Ryan Seal effort.
Swifts: Whitcombe 8, J Jones 7, Willets 7, Spencer 7, Smith 7, Walker 7 (Adams 69, 6), Evans 7 (Hurrell 68, 6), DINSLEY 8, Pountney 7 (P Jones 76), Griffin 7, Jackson 7. Subs (not used): Benbow, Bridges.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 04/10/12
Brown: We've set the standard
SWIFTS boss Rod Brown believes his side have thrown down a marker for the rest of the season after their win over fellow Midland Alliance promotion-chasers Boldmere St Michaels.
A brace for Lewis Pountney and a late strike by Kyonn Evans ensured Stourport returned from Birmingham with all three points and a 3-1 win over one of the season’s pace-setters.
It also lifted the Walshes Meadow outfit, who are yet to lose a league game, ahead of Boldmere to second in the table after nine games.
Brown said: “I said before the game this was the first time we played a team above us but we came through it well.
“We could have been four goals ahead if we had taken our chances but we deserved to win.
“Boldmere had a good spell at the start of the second half but overall it was a fine win.
“It’s the sort of result everybody takes notice of and I think we’ve put down a marker now. “It will be interesting to see if we can maintain this level throughout the season.”
Brown was not as happy on Tuesday night when a much-changed outfit lost 2-0 to Highgate United and exited the Polymac League Cup.
The manager made eight changes from the side which won at Boldmere but was disappointed his fringe players did not grasp their chance to shine.
“We gave the guys who had been on the bench or not even really in the squad a chance,” Brown said.
“It was important they play some games at some point because we will need them over the course of the season. “But I was disappointed because no-one really stood out.
“We were the better team and missed five good goal-scoring chances and then conceded two terrible goals.
“My priorities are the league and FA Vase this season, we play Alvechurch in the Worcestershire Senior Urn next week and I will make changes again.”
Brown is likely to bring back a host of first team regulars for Saturday’s home clash against September’s team of the month Kirby Muxloe (3pm ko). They then go to Alvechurch in the Worcestershire Senior Urn on Tuesday (7.45pm ko).
Meanwhile, midfielder Ryan Mahon’s comeback has been delayed by two weeks after he broke a toe during the warm-up of a Sunday league clash.
The former Stourbridge man had been playing to get match fitness following a procedure on his knee at the start of the season. He had been on the bench for Swifts in the last two matches.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 30/09/12
Late goals lift Swifts to second
Boldmere St Michaels 1, Stourport Swifts 3
Stourport struck twice in the final stages of this match to take the points.
And the win saw them leap-frog their hosts as they climbed to second in the table – five points adrift of leaders Stratford Town.
Early pressure saw John Griffin rattle the Boldmere crossbar before Swifts opened the scoring on 28 minutes when Lewis Pountney touched the ball over the ball following a Calvin Dinsley free-kick.
The home side almost levelled before half-time but Richard Gregory’s effort was well saved by Stourport keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
Boldmere seemed to raise their game at the start of the second half and a good move resulted in full-back Peter Gould converting a cross to the far post.
But Stourport came back strongly in the latter changes to secure a vital victory over their promotion rivals.
Pountney was denied a second goal by a smart save but the Mikes keeper could do nothing to keep out Jordan Jones’ 79th minute strike, an excellent effort from a narrow angle.
The win was secured six minutes from time when midfielder Kyonn Evans latched on to a loose ball before sending a shot through a sea of legs and into the back of the net.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, J Jones 7, Willets 7, Spencer 7, SMITH 7, Walker 6, Evans 7, Dinsley 6, Pountney 7, Griffin 6 (P Jones 69, 6), Jackson 6. Subs (not used): Adams, Benbow, Mahon, Bridges
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 28/09/12
Swifts wins monthly award
STOURPORT Swifts saw their fine start to the Midland Alliance rewarded as they were named team of the month for August.
The Walshes Meadow outfit were presented with the award before Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Dunkirk.
Unbeaten Swifts have defeated Heather St John’s, Tipton and Heath Hayes, as well as drawing with Alvechurch in August.
They also enjoyed victories over Eccleshall and Contintental Star in the FA Cup. Their fine start to the season is in stark contrast to last year, where they struggled and were ultimately relegated from the Southern League Division One South and West.
Manager Rod Brown said: “The players have worked so hard to turn things around, they deserve this recognition.”
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 26/09/12
Brown hails Griffin's impact
ROD Brown hailed Swifts striker John Griffin as the ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ after the hitman made it three goals in two matches.
The striker has relished being back at Walshes Meadow after spells at Stourbridge and Halesowen with goals against Coventry Sphinx and Dunkirk.
His brace had fired Swifts 2-0 up on Saturday but two late goals saw Dunkirk earn a point.
He said: “John is a quality player and he’s made an immediate impact.
“He’s the final piece of the jigsaw for me, we now have cover in all departments.
“I was disappointed to draw on Saturday as we could have been four or five goals ahead.
“But we dropped back and didn’t expect them to shoot and were caught out.”
Swifts face their toughest test yet when they take on fellow high flyers Boldmere St Michaels in Birmingham on Saturday in the Midland Alliance (3pm ko).
Third-placed Stourport are just one point and place bellow Saturday’s opponents.
There will be no lack of confidence for the Walshes Meadow outfit, who are unbeaten in the league and have only tasted defeat once this season and that was in extra-time at Stafford Rangers in the FA Cup.
Brown said: “We’re unbeaten over 90 minutes in 13 games, so confidence is high but Boldmere are a good side.
“They have a good youth set-up and can play and I think we’ll have to go there and try and boss the game.
“With Lewis Pountney, Kevin Spencer, Mark Smith and Jamie Willetts we’ve got a lot of height, so set-pieces will be crucial for us.”
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 23/09/12
Griffin Double Cancelled Out
Stourport Swifts 2, Dunkirk 2
Stourport had to settle for a share of the spoils after letting a two-goal lead slip at home to their Nottinghamshire visitors.The Walshes Meadow side looked to be heading for victory to keep up the pressure on Midland Alliance leaders Stratford Town – two goals from striker John Griffin giving them the perfect platform.He netted his first on 20 minutes, gathering a clearance from keeper Haydn Whitcombe before exchanging passes with Lewis Pountney and firing home.Griffin struck again eight minutes into the second half following good work from Kyonn Evans and Jordan Jones and Stourport looked odds-on for victory.But two goals in the final 15 minutes saw Dunkirk salvage a draw.Kevin Spriggs reduced the arrears and, with just three minutes remaining, Craig Meakin struck an excellent equaliser.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, J Jones 7, Willetts 7, SPENCER 8, Smith 7, Walker 6, Evans 7 (Adams 66, 7), Dinsley 6 (Mahon 87), Pountney 7 Griffin 8, Jackson 6. Subs (not used): Benbow, P Jones, Bridges.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 20/09/12
Brown delight at Swift start
REVERED manager Rod Brown revealed his surprise this week by the manner in which his Stourport Swifts side have taken the Midland Alliance by storm.
After suffering relegation from the Southern League last term, Swifts have completely turned their fortunes around in style with last Saturday’s stunning 5-0 win at Coventry Sphinx taking the men from Walshes Meadow up to second in the table behind Stratford Town.
Brown claimed: “I made a concious decision about the players from last season and said that if they could withstand the rigours of being perpetually beaten, they would be better for it.
“However, even I didn’t expect to hit the ground running in the manner we have.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the lads for the way they’ve responded.
“Last season was the first time in my managerial career that I’ve been relegated and I thought it would take time to get things right.
“I wanted to get them into the top-five, but even I’ve been surpassed by the way we’ve started”.
Brown has already seen the benefits of bringing in key players Mark Smith from Halesowen Town and Kevin Spencer. But the Walshes Meadow chief boosted Swifts prospects further by bringing back John Griffin, who left Walshes Meadow last season for Stourbridge.
The striker was duly on the scoresheet against Sphinx along with Calvin Dinsley, Kyonn Evans, Lewis Pountney and Lewis Bridges.
Brown believes Griffin will give Swifts a cutting edge in attack.
He said: “If we’d had John from the start of the season, I think we’d still have a 100 per cent record.”
Swifts storming start will be put to the test when they host fifth placed Dunkirk on Saturday.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 16/09/12
Five star Swifts sweep Sphinx aside
Coventry Sphinx 0, Stourport Swifts 5
Any hangovers from Stourport’s disappointing midweek FA Cup exit at the hands of Stafford Rangers were banished as they swept Sphinx aside in spectacular fashion.
Calvin Dinsley took just two minutes to open the Swifts account and from then on there was only going to be one winner.
Dinsley struck from the edge of the area, sending the ball past keeper Scott Furlong following some good work from Joe Adams and Lewis Pountney.
Sphinx went down to ten men midway through the half when former Kidderminster frontman Iyesden Christie picked up two bookings in quick succession for dissent.
Five minutes later and the visitors doubled their lead when striker John Griffin, back at the club following spells with Stourbridge and Halesowen Town, linked up well with Pountney before firing home.
That was how it remained until the final 11 minutes when Swifts netted three more times to wrap up the points.
Substitute Kyonn Evans made it 3-0, turning home a Tim Jackson cross, before Pountney capped another fine display with an 81st minute effort.
Louis Bridges completed the rout three minutes into injury time as Swifts leap-frogged Boldmere St Michaels into second in the MFA table.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, J Jones 7, Spencer 7, Willetts 7, Smith 7 (Benbow 65, 7), Walker 7, Adams 7 (Evans 65, 7), Dinsley 7, POUNTNEY 8, Griffin 7 (Bridges 73), Jackson 7. Subs (not used): Pearce, P Jones.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 11/09/12
Dicker double shoots down impressive Swifts
Stafford 2, Swifts 1 (aet)
HEROIC Swifts saw their FA Cup adventure ended in the cruellest fashion as a Ryan Dicker double shot them down in Tuesday night's first qualifying round replay.
Swifts had been moments away from a famous giant-killing over their Northern Premier opponents thanks to Lewis Poutney's first half strike.
But defender Dicker, who had been at fault for Swifts' goal, made it 1-1 in the 90th minute and bagged the winner in extra-time.
Defeat was harsh on Midland Alliance Swifts, who had defended doggedly and attacked with verve and would have thoroughly deserved to meet Gresley Rovers in the next round.
Swifts had to defend stoutly for the first 15 minutes but they had the best chance to break the deadlock in the 18th minute.
Paul Jones led a counter attack and set Pountney free but as he strode into the box, keeper Danny Read dived down to save his effort.
For all their pressure, the home side were not opening up doughty Swifts.
Inspirational captain Michael Carr flashed a low shot wide from the edge of the box for the hosts.
But Stourport were soaking up the pressure and hitting Rangers on the break.
Pountney played in Joe Adams with a clever flick and but the midfielder was unable to latch onto the ball in a very good position.
Midfielder Courtney Pitt had a shot on target with a well-hit free-kick but keeper Haydn Whitcombe was equal to it.
But Stourport grabbed a deserved lead in the 41st minute. Paul Jones' probing ball caused chaos between the hapless Dicker and Read and Pountney barged his way inbetween to slot the ball into the back of the empty net.
Right back Jordan Jones could have added a second moments later, firing wide after good work by Tim Jackson and Pountney.
Paul Jones nearly grabbed a second just after the break. The striker pounced on a poor header by Liam Walshe but rolled his flicked shot agonisingly wide.
In a bid to add some desperately needed muscle to their attack, Stafford threw Dicker forward as a striker. The big man came close when headed wide from a corner.
It took a fine challenge by George to deny Paul Jones after more good work by his strike partner.
Swifts we're coming under increasing pressure and Whitcombe was given a few scary moments by a Pitt corner. But he and the rest of Swifts stood resolute under the Rangers onslaught.
The away side were still dangerous on the break and another pacy move broke down when Jones overran the ball.
There was another chance for the busy hitman but as he raced clear, substitute defender Karl Espley stuck out a long leg to stop him in his tracks.
Swifts were under constant pressure but still looked dangerous on the counter.
The best chance for the hosts fell to Simon Everall in the 87th minute but he blazed over the bar.
But stout Swifts' resistance was broken in the 90th minute when Dicker glanced a leveller home at the far post to force extra-time.
Both teams went searching for what could be the decisive goal. Calvin Dinsley let fly with a powerful long range effort which deflected wide.
In the second half of extra-time Carr flashed a firm shot a fraction off target.
But Swifts fell behind in the 110th minute when Dicker looped a header over Whitcombe.
Jackson nearly found an immediate reply but Read tipped over his attempted chip.
Despite throwing everyone forward, Stourport could not find a way through and suffered their first defeat of the season.
Swifts: Whitcombe, J Jones, Willetts, Spencer, Smith, Walker, Adams (Evans, 75), Dinsley (Taylor, 118), Pountney, P Jones (Bridges, 114), Jackson.
Subs: Pearce, Bannister, Benbow, Hurrell.
Stafford: Read, George, Brown, Dicker, Walshe, Downes, Street (Espley, 46), Carr, Quinn (Newman, 75), Everall, Pitt.
Subs: Forde, Davies, Allcock.
Referee: James Thornhill.
Attendance: 309
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 10/09/12
Swifts given away draw in FA Cup
STOURPORT Swifts face an away trip in the FA Cup second qualifying round, if they see off Stafford tomorrow.
Swifts will go to either Gresley Rovers or Thurnby Nirvana on September 22.
The two sides battled out a 2-2 draw on Saturday and replay this week.
Stourport will be aiming to pull off a giant killing at Stafford tomorrow night, after drawing 1-1 on Saturday.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle
Last gasp drama as Bridges denied in cup
Stourport Swifts 1, Stafford Rangers 1
Swifts earned themselves a replay at Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Stafford Rangers on Tuesday with an excellent display in this FA Cup 1st qualifying round tie.
But they nearly sent their visitors crashing out of the competition, substitute Louis Bridges being denied by a fine save deep in injury time.
“It would have been daylight robbery if we had scored with that last chance but their keeper has had to pull off a fine save,” manager Rod Brown admitted. “But we are still in the cup and will enjoy going up there on Tuesday night.”
Stafford went close inside the opening 25 minutes when Courtney Pitt powered a shot over the Stourport goal.
The visitors continued to have more of the ball but it was Swifts who took a surprise lead a minute before the break when a corner to the far post was not dealt with and striker Lewis Pountney managed to force the ball over the line.
Pitt put another chance wide for the visitors early in the second half before Michael Carr levelled the scores with a spectacular overhead kick that soared over the head of keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
The visitors had a number of chances to wrap up the tie but Carr and Ryan Dicker failed to find the target before substitute Liam Newman blazed over.
Then, deep in injury time, Stourport nearly snatched the win. Substitute Bridges, who had been on the field for just a couple of minutes, found space inside the Stafford area but his shot was brilliantly turned around the post by Stafford keeper Danny Read.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, J Jones 8, Willetts 8, SPENCER 9, Smith 9, Walker 7, Adams 7 (Evans 67, 7), Dinsley 7, Pountney 8 (Bridges 90), P Jones 7 (Taylor 90), Jackson 8. Subs (not used): Bannister, Hurrell, Pearce, Lavery
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 08/09/12
Stourport Swifts keep cup upset dreams alive
FA Cup first round qualifying.
Stourport Swifts 1 – 1 Stafford Rangers
STOURPORT Swifts were a match for their supposedly superior opponents as they forced an FA Cup replay against Stafford Rangers in the £3,000-match.
Rod Brown's Midland Alliance men will do battle again with the Evo-Stick Premier side at Marston Road on Tuesday night after a nervy affair finished 1-1 at Walshes Meadow. Lewis Pountney stabbed in the game's first goal on 41 minutes after a slow first half took a long time to get going on a sunny afternoon.
Swifts fans dared to dream of a cup-set in what Brown had previously described as their biggest game “in a decade”.
On the 65th minute, however, Michael Carr equalised for Rangers with a spectacular overhead kick after Swifts failed to clear a corner.
In front of 171 spectators both sides looked nervous at the start with the first real chance falling to Swifts on 20 minutes as a cross-come-shot by Paul Jones caused a scare for Greg Clowes’ side.
It forced Rangers to wake up and Courtney Pitt and Kevin Street injected some pace into their attack but with no real effect.
Stafford were getting frustrated and on 41 minutes, after a neat passing move for the home side, Joe Adams whipped in a corner which Kevin Spencer flicked on and Pountney tapped home.
Stourport, who came into the game on the back of a nine game unbeaten start to the season, continued to match their opponents at the start of the second half but as they began to tire Stafford took control.
Their goal came in the 65th minute when Ryan Dicker looped the ball back into the area after Swifts had cleared a corner.
Michael Carr leapt into the air and hit a perfect bicycle kick which Haydn Whitcome could only watch as it rippled the back of the net.
The goal kicked the away side, two divisions above Stourport, into action but they lacked ideas and it was Stourport who could have nicked it as Jones failed to finish off a last minute break by the home side.
Brown said: “Our team spirit, work ethic and support was superb. Games like this can hang on small things which is why we made sure we did not make one mistake.
“Their goal was fantastic but they did not have a lot of chances which is testament to the lads.
“This is a journey for us and we will enjoy going back there on Tuesday but we will be tired.
“I think we can play better but it is how much we are allowed to against them – they play with a tempo we are not used to.
“At the end of the day we try to do well in the league we are in and have set the bar high.”
Stourport: Whitcombe, Jones, Willets, Spencer, Smith, Walker (c), Adams, Dinsley, Pountney (Taylor, 90), Jones (Bridges, 90), Jackson. Subs: Bannister, Hurrell, Pearce, Lavery, Bridges, Evans, Taylor.
Stafford: Read, George, Brown, Dicker, Walshe, Downes, Street, Carr, Quinn (Newman, 59), Everall, Pitt. Subs: Espley, Alcock, Newman, Davies, Forde.
Attendance: 171
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 06/09/12
Brown vows to attack Rangers
ROD Brown has vowed Stourport Swifts will go on the attack to cause an FA Cup upset as they take on Stafford Rangers in their biggest game in a decade.
Swifts are gearing up for a David versus Goliath clash in the first qualifying clash at Walshes Meadow (3pm kick-off).
Stourport are two levels below their opponents from the Evo-Stik Premier and while are regarded as underdogs, go into the game on the back of a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions this season.
“Stafford come into the game as favourites, they’re two divisions above us and will expect to come here and roll over us,” said Brown.
“But I want the lads to give it a really good go and leave everything on the pitch.
“We’re unbeaten in nine games and our confidence is really high.
“I am not concerned about getting a replay, I just want the team to give it their best shot.”
Rangers have not made the best of starts to the season but will expect to overcome their lower-ranked opponents and boast gifted players such as Michael Carr, Lee Downes and Courtney Pitt.
In contrast, Swifts go with their levels of self-belief boosted by a fantastic 3-0 win over Tividale in the Midland Alliance on Saturday, with Lewis Pountney (2) and Joe Adams on target. They have seen their efforts rewarded by being named team of the month for August.
The prize for Swifts on Saturday, who have not progressed this far in the FA Cup for a number of years, is also a £3,000 cash boost.
Brown added: “There hasn’t been a game like this in a decade, I can’t remember the last time Swifts won three games in the FA Cup.
“We’ve already made £2,750 in the cup but winning an extra £3,000 would make a huge difference.
“I am really looking forward to this game, we will give Stafford the respect they deserve but we’ll be going for it.”
Mark Smith (back), Kyonn Evans (foot) and Paul Hurrell (knee) are all doubts.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 02/09/12
Second half treble boosts Swifts
Tividale 0, Stourport Swifts 3
Swifts warmed up for Saturday’s mouth-watering FA Cup clash with Stafford Rangers by easing to victory at Tividale.
But it took the half-time introduction of midfielder Calvin Dinsley to unlock the home defence.
Both sides struggled in front of goal in a disappointing first half although Lewis Pountney did plant a header onto the crossbar on 25 minutes from a Mark Smith cross.
Dinsley’s arrival lifted the Swifts and he had a hand in the opener just two minutes into the second half when the ball was worked to Joe Adams whose first time volley flew into the roof of the net.
From then on it was one-way traffic as the visitors looked to increase their lead. Tim Jackson and Kevin Spencer had efforts cleared off the line while Pountney was again denied by the woodwork.
The striker finally got his deserved goal on 65 minutes, forcing the ball over the line at the second attempt following a decent save from Tim Beech.
Five minutes later and the Swifts completed the scoring when good work from Gary Walker resulted in his shot being parried by the keeper. It looked as though the ball was destined for the net but Pountney made sure, netting his second of the game.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, J Jones 7, Spencer 6, Benbow 7, Smith 7, WALKER 8 (Taylor 78), Adams 7, Evans 6 (Dinsley 46, 8), Pountney 7, P Jones 6 (Bridges 71), Jackson 7. Subs (not used): Pearce, Willetts
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 30/08/12
Swifts make cup progress as Brown targets striker
IN a bid to bolster Stourport Swifts’ goal-scoring options, manager Rod Brown has made a move for two of the Midlands Alliance’s most prolific hitmen.
The club have submitted seven-day bids for Alvechurch’s in-form goal-getter Andy Nicol and Tipton Town frontman Karl Edwards.
Brown is keen for his side to build on a seven-game unbeaten run at the start of the season.
However, after two draws in a row, wants to increase his goal-power and take the goal-scoring burden off frontmen Paul Jones and the in-form Lewis Pountney.
Both strikers would fit the bill, with Edwards already has three goals to his name and Nicol hitting four in six games despite Alvechurch struggling.
Brown is set to speak with Edwards tomorrow before Saturday’s Midland Alliance clash Tividale (3pm ko), but cannot speak to Nicol until week.
“We’re playing well at the moment but we’re not taking our chances,” said the Swifts manager.
“I want to bring someone else who can also score goals.
“I’ve put seven days in for Karl Edwards and Andy Nicol and we’ll see what happens.
“Both have good scoring records at our level but I haven’t been able to talk to them yet. “I only need one more striker so we’ll see what how things develop.”
Brown was frustrated by Swifts on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Contintental Star in the preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Ibrahim Benjamin had fired Star ahead but Swifts created a slew of chances to score, with substitute Calvin Dinsley on target in the 73rd minute.
But they booked a place in the first qualifying round last night with a 3-1 win over Star, with Mark Benbow, Paul Jones and Pountey on target. Victory earned £1,750 in prize money.
As a reward they will now tackle Stafford Rangers at home in the first qualifying round on September 8.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 26/08/12
Swifts held to draw in cup clash
Stourport Swifts 1, Continental Star 1
Swifts face a tricky midweek trip to Rushall’s Dales Lane ground after being held to a draw in this FA Cup preliminary round clash.
It was very much a game of two halves with the home side only coming into contention after the break.
Before then it was Continental Star who controlled the proceedings, taking a 15th minute lead when Ibrahim Benjamin slotted home.
Davion Hamilton squandered a good chance to extend the visitors’ advantage while Aaron Garvey twice missed out when one-on-one with Swifts keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
But it was a different tale in the second half as Stourport’s slick passing had Star on the back foot.
Substitute Calvin Dinsley finally struck the equaliser on 73 minutes - five minutes after coming off the bench - with a well-taken volley following good work from Lewis Pountney.
Towering defender Mark Smith put a header over the visitors’ goal late on while Pountney also went close to seeing off the Midland Alliance newcomers.
The teams will replay on Wednesday evening (ko 7.45pm).
Swifts: Whitcombe 6, JONES 7, Willets 7, Benbow 6 (Adams 45, 7), Smith 7, Spencer 6 (Dinsley 68, 7), Walker 6, Evans 6, Pountney 7, Bridges 6 (Hurrell 45, 6), Jackson 6. Subs (not used): Pearce, Bannister.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 23/08/12
Swifts reaching for the Star
SWIFTS boss Rod Brown wants more from his side as they take on Continental Star in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday The Walshes Meadow outfit head into the home clash in confident mood as they stretched their unbeaten run to six games in league and cup.
A 3-1 win over Heath Hayes, with Lewis Pountney (2) and Louis Bridges on target, and a 2-2 draw against Studley on Tuesday night mean Swifts are second in the Midland Alliance.
Now they face a Star team who have endured a topsy-turvy week in the the league, beating Studley 4-1 on Saturday before going down to Rocester 4-0 in mid-week.
“We had them watched and apparently once they went 2-0 down against Rocester they basically collapsed,” said Brown. “It’s a big game for us and we’re looking forward to it.
“We’ve got to do a bit more than we did in the second-half against Studley but that will be the learning curve.”
Brown is hoping for an improved display over 90 minutes after being surprised by Studley.
Pountney headed Swifts into the lead as Stourport dominated the first-half, but a slip by Mark Benbow allowed Ross Dempster to level.
Swifts were pushed back by their spirited opponents and fell behind when Matthew Collins scored from Tom Lacey’s corner in the 76th minute.
But Jordan Jonesstabbed home with seven minutes of normal time remaining to ensure Swifts claimed a share of the spoils.
Brown said: “I thought in the first half we played well. We set a good tempo, looked good in the wide areas and hit the post twice.
“In terms of overall pattern of play we were the better side.
“Studley deserved something from the game on their second-half performance and the disappointing thing for me was we dropped the tempo.
“We’re a work in progress, we still need a cutting edge. We have to be more clinical and if that means me going out and finding a striker who can score 25 goals then I need to do it.”
If there’s a definite result from Saturday’s FA Cup clash, Stourport resume the league at Westfields on Monday (3pm kick-off).
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 22/08/12
Jordan seals fine show with Swifts leveller
Stourport Swifts 2, Studley 2
SWIFTS will have mixed feelings after extending their unbeaten run to six games in a hard fought clash at Walshes Meadow on Tuesday night.
When Lewis Pountney scored in a dominant first half, the home side looked on course for a deserved victory.
But they almost paid the price for not taking their chances as Ross Dempster made it 1-1 before the break and Thomas Lacey fired the Bees ahead.
However, Jordan Jones marked a fine game as a marauding right-back with an 83rd minute leveller against his old club.
Both teams started with attacking intent but it was Swifts right-back Jones who was getting the space to hurt Studley.
He delivered one fine cross in the eighth minute but with striker Lewis Pountney lurking, Matthew Collins cleared the danger.
Studley were briefly down to 10 men when Scott Turner went off for a head injury after clashing with a striker but he was okay to continue.
New signing Paul Jones, making his home debut, was proving a constant threat with his accurate distribution and close control. The hitman spun neatly in the box but his shot flew over the bar.
The home side opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Jones drove down the right and delivered a fine ball, which Pountney headed into the back of the net at the far post.
Swifts nearly added a second moments later with a fine deep free-kick from Tim Jackson, but as keeper Sam Brad struggled to take it the referee blew for a foul.
Studley tried to hit back and Jordan McGrath directed a right-footed shot at the keeper Haydn Whitcombe.
But it was Stourport who continued to dictate the game and when Jones released Kevin Spencer down the right he delivered a teasing low ball which evaded Swifts' strikers.
Spencer went for goal from 20-yards but his shot flew over the bar and the hosts came even closer when the illusive Paul Jones broke through and fired a strong first-time effort goalwards only for it to crash into the side hoardings.
Studley made Stourport pay for the wasted chances in the 25th minute when Dempster pounced on a slip by Mark Benbow at the back and slotted home to level the scores.
But the hosts roared back and seemed able to slice through the Bees at will. Spencer saw a low shot cannon off the base of the post as the away side rode their luck.
Thomas Lacey was booked in the 32nd minute after battling with the ball with the towering Spencer.
Studley came out more determined in the second half and pushed the hosts back.
Home keeper Haydn Whitcombe was forced to rush off his line and beat Reese Lynch as he raced into the box to the ball in the 53rd minute.
As the second half wore on, Swifts started to find their rhythm and after three successive corners, and Smith saw a diving header canon off a Studley defender.
Tyrone Smith was then shown a yellow card for a challenge on Tim Jackson, although the decision seemed harsh as the Bees sub had won the ball.
Swifts hitman Pountney steered a far post header wide from a raking left wing cross by Jackson.
Stour substitute Louis Bridges then darted in and headed off target at the far post but was adjudged offside.
But Studley edged ahead in the 76th minute when defender Collins fired home after Swifts failed to clear a Lacey corner.
Swifts levelled the scores with seven minutes left as Jones fired home from close range after a driving run and pull back from Bridges as an entertaining Midland Alliance derby ended honours even.
Swifts: Whitcombe; J Jones; Willetts; Benbow; Smith; Spencer; Walker; Adams (Evans, 65); Pountney; Pountney; P Jones (Bridges, 65) ; Jackson.
Unused substitutes: Pearce; Taylor; Hurrell. Studley: Brad; Robbins; Lacey; Collins; Turner; Blake; Lynch (Smith, 58) Pilgrim; Dempster; Rolfe (Thomas, 68); McGrath (Lennon, 74).
Unused substitutes: Mitchell; Nevins.
Referee: A Dean. Attendance: 68
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 19/08/12
Pountney at the double for Stourport
Heath Hayes 1, Stourport Swifts 3
Swifts maintained their unbeaten start to the season with this emphatic win at Heath Hayes.
But the result paled into insignificance with the news that teammate Rory Curtis was seriously injured in hospital following a car accident.
The striker suffered multiple fractures in the motorway smash and players were due to visit him over the weekend.
On the field, Lewis Pountney scored a goal in each half to set-up the win at Heath Hayes.
He netted Stourport’s opener on 28 minutes, tucking the ball home following a powerful run out of defence by Mark Smith.
Pete Bromley levelled the scores before half-time, former Swift favourite Adam Robinson supplying the pass.
But Stourport regained the advantage two minutes into the second half when Pountney turned home a Joe Adams corner.
The striker missed a couple of chances to complete his treble and it was left to substitute Louis Bridges to wrap up the win eight minutes from time after he latched on to a long pass from Jordan Jones.
Swifts: Whitcombe 8, J Jones 8, Willets 8, Benbow 8, SMITH 9, Spencer 8, Walker 7 (Evans 74), Adams 7, Pountney 9 (Bridges 66, 8), P Jones 7 (Hurrell 66, 7), Jackson 8. Subs (not used): Pearce, Taylor
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 12/08/12
Lewis goal takes Swifts through
Eccleshall 0,Stourport Swifts 1
An early Lewis Pountney goal proved enough to hand Swifts victory in this tricky extra preliminary FA Cup clash.
The striker took just three minutes to find the net, turning home a Jordan Jones cross.
But the win came at a price with Pountney’s strike partner Rory Curtis suffering a bad back injury that caused play to be held up midway through the opening period.
Swifts continued to hold the upper hand though and almost doubled their lead four minutes before the break when substitute Louis Bridges had an effort cleared off the line.
The home side, who play their football in the North West Counties league, tried to find a way back into the game but the Stourport defence, well drilled by Mark Benbow and Mark Smith, stood firm.
Pountney saw another effort clear the crossbar on 66 minutes and there was a late chance for Jamie Willetts but his header, from a corner, was blocked in front of goal.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, Jones 8, Willetts 7, Benbow 7, Smith 7, Walker 6, Adams 6 (Evans 67, 6), Dinsley 6, Curtis 6 (Bridges 21, 6 (Lavery 78)), POUNTNEY 8, Jackson 7. Subs (not used): Spencer, Hurrell, Pearce, Taylor.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 09/08/12
Swifts make fine start to season
STOURPORT Swifts boss Rod Brown was pleased with his side’s start in the Midland Alliance and believes there’s more to come.
The Walshes Meadow outfit, who were relegated from the Southern League last season, kicked-off their campaign with a 1-0 win over Heather St John’s thanks to Tim Jackson’s fine strike on Saturday.
On Tuesday night, Swifts went to Lye Meadow to tackle Alliance stalwarts Alvechurch and emerged with a 1-1 draw.
Rory Jackson fired Stourport ahead but Andy Nicol bagged a leveller for the Churchmen.
Brown said: “I said before the weekend that I would be happy with four points from our first two games.
“We played well against Heather and won it with a great goal, although we probably lacked a bit of cutting edge.
“Alvechurch isn’t an easy place to play but we did well again.”
Now Swifts will be hoping to see off Eccleshall away on Saturday (3pm ko) in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Stourport have endured disappointing few years in the FA Cup but the manager is keeping his fingers crossed they can make it through. Victory on Saturday would also net Swifts £1,000 prize money.
He said: “Eccleshall have a good pitch which will suit us and we certainly go in with confidence.
“We’re probably a bit bigger than them as well but it’s a cup game and anything can happen but we’ll go out to try and win it.”
Swifts will be boosted by the return of Kevin Spencer and Louis Bridges, who have been away at a family wedding.
Midfielder Ryan Mahon also had successful surgery on his knee on Sunday and is expected to be back after a month.
Article taken from Kidderminster Shuttle 08/08/12
Curtis nets against former club
Alvechurch 1, Stourport Swifts 1
Swifts picked up a battling point at Lye Meadow thanks to a goal early in the second half from Rory Curtis.
But the home side almost sneaked the win in the closing minutes, Stourport keeper Haydn Whitcombe doing well to deny them.
Alvechurch settled the quicker but failed to trouble Whitcombe in the opening period. The visitors came more into the game as half-time approached, Lewis Pountney heading just wide before Tim Jackson forced a save from keeper Richard Taylor.
The breakthrough came seven minutes after the restart. Star man Jackson put in a fiendish cross from the left and Curtis, playing against his former club, netted with a first time shot.
Church drew level on 64 minutes, Andy Nicol letting fly with a powerful 22-yard effort.
And they almost snatched victory five minutes from time when Luke Dugmore broke clear only for his low drive to be turned around the post by Whitcombe.
Swifts: Whitcombe 7, Jones 6, Willetts 8, Pearce 6, Benbow 7, Walker 6, Evans 6, Hurrell 6, Pountney 7, Curtis 6, JACKSON 8.
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