Watts treble moves Swifts into 4th

 Stourport Swifts 3  Wolverhampton Casuals 0   MPL  9th March 2024  Att: 130 

Jack Watts revived the Swifts play off hopes with a hat trick to lift them up to 4th in the table.

Swifts pressed from the start, and Matt Harland and Watts both saw early efforts blocked by some resolute defending from the casuals back line. Matt Hanson then came close with a 30 yard piledriver which whistled past the left hand post. Casuals then showed some danger themselves, and in the 12th minute Josh Mckenzie crossed from the right, and Charlie Emery was grateful that Reece Taxor’s close range header was straight into his arms.

With 35 minutes gone Watts and Ben Tilbury combined well to set up Ethan Tivey, but his shot was deflected for a corner, and a minute later Watts broke the deadlock to put his side in front, taking a slick touch and driving smartly on the turn past keeper Stan Amos from 12 yards. Casuals almost scored with an instant reply, but Tom Cottam’s header came back off the Swifts crossbar, and on the stroke of half time Emery produced a fine save to tip Cameren Philip’s low shot around the post.

Ten minutes after the break Watts should have made it two, but headed Jamie Meddows’ cross straight at Amos, but he made no mistake two minutes later when Ben Tilbury teed him up nicely on the edge of the box, and he fired in low inside the left hand post. Watts completed his hat trick in the 71st minute, when he blasted in from the spot after Harland was brought down in the box.

Swifts should have added to their tally in the closing stages, but George Baker, Goodluck Eke and R’mar Murray all passed up good chances to increase the scoreline.

 

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, Meddows, Matt Hanson, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Birch, Baker, Eke, Canavan, Jim Hanson

Swifts draw a blank

 Stourport Swifts 0  Atherstone Town 1   MPL  5th March 2024  Att: 118 

Stourport Swifts lost out in their second play off challenge in four days as in form Atherstone snatched all three points with a thumping 73rd minute strike from substitute Jess Adcock.

Swifts aggressive start pinned the visitors back in their own half, and Ethan Tivey forced a fine save from keeper Finn Osborn after 14 minutes, and Jack Watts burst through on goal only for Osborn to sprint from his goal and narrowly win the race in time to block. Jamie Meddows tested Osborn again five minutes before half time with a snap shot he did well to hold.

Swifts best chance came five minutes after the break when Matt Harland slipped a short pass in behind the visitors defence for Meddows, but his angled drive flashed inches past the post.

Atherstone began to apply some pressure of their own after this narrow escape, and Charlie Emery was twice called into action to deny Jamie Spears and Toby Batram. Watts twice went close, first seeing skipper Richard Blythe block his goalbound effort, then firing over the top after cutting inside from the left to open up the Atherstone defence.

 Ben Tilbury almost put the Swifts ahead after Osborn was caught outside his box trying to clear, but his long range lob was denied a goal as Callum Rudd got back just in time.

The winner came minutes later, when Batram crossed deep to the far post from the left for Adcock to blast a fierce left footer past Emery from range.

 

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, Meddows, Matt Hanson, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Birch, Bailey, Eke, Canavan

Highgate edge seven goal thriller

Highgate United 4 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL 2nd March 2024  Att: 67

Highgate hero Ryan Harkin put Stourport Swifts to the sword in this 3rd v 4th battle for the play offs.

Harkin gave his side a 2-0 half time lead, when after 9 minutes Swifts defenders gave him far too much room on the edge of the box to sweep past Emery from 20yards, then six minutes before the break raced clear to calmly round Emery and tap in. Jamie Meddows came closest for the Swifts in the first half, forcing keeper Reece Francis to a brilliant one handed save with a curling left foot shot, and Goodluck Eke’s shot was blocked by Palmer when he looked certain to score.

Swifts pulled back a goal to give themselves a shot in the arm just after the break when Eke headed against the bar from Jack Bailey‘s, and reacted first as Highgate tried to clear to drive in from close range.

The goal set up an end to end second half, and Highgate restored their two goal advantage two minutes later when Bassit Mendey drove through a crowd of players past an unsighted Emery from 12 yards. The Swifts surged forward again, with Meddows and Matt Harland tireless in midfield as they pressed for another goal, which came on 59 minutes when Drew Canavan took advantage of a deflected Joe Hanson cross at the far post to force home as defenders hesitated. Eke almost equalised when his clever flick from Hanson’s cross went narrowly wide with Francis scrambling.

Harkin completed his hat trick with 20 minutes left when he escaped Ben Jevons’ close attention to break clear and calmly stroke in off the post, but three minutes later Eke raced in at the far post to tuck away a low Meddows cross from the left to give the Swifts a fighting chance of a point, but despite mounting some serious late pressure, they could not find a decisive finish.

 

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Meddows, Bailey, Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Murray, Slevin

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 39

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1 Worcester City 5  FA Vase 10th February Att:1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton

 

 

First half blitz puts Swifts in charge

 Stourport Swifts 3  Studley 2   MPL  24th February 2024  Att: 148 

Three first half goals saw Stourport take control of this match with a commanding display against 3rd placed Studley.

Ethan Tivey opened the Swifts account in the 9th minute when he drove in a cross from the right from Joe Hanson which Studley keeper Brendon Bunn could not hold at the near post. Tivey was on hand again just four minutes later when his driven cross was parried out by Bunn only for Ben Tilbury to arrive and tap in at the far post. Skipper Ben Jevons was alert to clear a dangerous cross from Bailey Fuller, and seconds later Jack Watts cleverly set up Tivey for another attempt but his shot flew wide.

Swifts went three up in the 29th minute when he chased a lost cause into the box, but Bunn’s clearance was fired straight at him and rebounded into an empty goal.

Watts almost made it four ten minutes before the break, but his thunderous effort crashed back off the crossbar, and Tivey then saw his snap shot blocked by the advancing Bunn’s legs.

Studley began the second half with some real purpose, but Watts, clean through on goal, delayed his shot to allow Matt Hughes time to block his attempt with a last ditch tackle, and Tilbury, just a minute later, saw Bunn save with his legs with a similar chance. The visitors kept up some sustained pressure as Swifts seemed happy to sit back and defend, and they were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Zac Guinan fired an angled drive past Emery to pull one back. Watts and Tilbury both forced Bunn into further action, but Swifts nerves began to jangle when Finn Holmes raced in behind in the 67th minute to calmly round Emery to score.

Swifts struggled to hold back the wave of attacks, and after Emery saved well from Studley sub Romario Martin, Jim Hanson produced an acrobatic clearance off the line from Holmes’ follow up effort.

With ten minutes to go, Tivey did well to stretch tall and head clear as Harry Eden almost connected with Reiss Taylor-Randle’s free kick, and Emery held on well to a series of threatening crosses as Studley continued to pressed hard, but Swifts back line held firm to hang on to all three points.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, Canavan, Tilbury, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Glenister, Bailey, Eke

Tilbury late show puts  Swifts back on track

Uttoxeter Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 3   MPL  22nd February 2024  Att: 79

Stourport Swifts looked set for a third straight defeat when they went two goals down with 30 minutes to play, but surged back to snatch a dramatic injury time winner to keep their play off hopes alive.

Swifts went behind after 23 minutes when skipper Ben Jevons deflected a speculative shot past debut keeper Charlie Emery, and despite all their efforts,  could not force their way back in the first half.

R’mar Murray saw his header saved, and Ben Tilbury also tested keeper Charlie Wood, but matters took a turn for the worse for the Swifts when Tom Thorley headed the home side 2-0 up in the 64th minute.

Matt Harland gave Swifts a lifeline when he swept in from close range with 18 minutes to go, and Jamie Meddows set up a grandstand finish when he turned in Adam Hanson’s cross from the right ten minutes later.

Tilbury then gave the Swifts a battling win when he turned to fire in Ryan Glenister’s right wing cross in the second minute of injury time.

SWIFTS: Charlie Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Matt Hanson Ethan Hanson, Murray, Harland, , Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tilbury  SUBS USED:  Glenister, Bailey, Adam Hanson, Slevin

Swifts hit for five again

Dudley Town 5 Stourport Swifts 1   MPL  17th February 2024  Att: 186

Dudley striker Harry Crook bagged a hat trick as Stourport Swifts got their second 5-1 beating in a week.

Crook cut inside from the right after just 8 minutes to fire Dudley into the lead from 20 yards off the underside of the bar into the top corner. Swifts responded quickly, and after Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide, Matt Harland chipped smartly over advancing keeper Alex Graham to level for his side in the 19th minute.

Hanson forced Graham into a fine save, and the Swifts finished the half on top with Jamie Meddows testing Graham after skipping past two defenders in the box, and Ben Tilbury playing Harland clean through on goal only to see Graham block with his legs.

The game swung crucially Dudley’s way three minutes into the second half when Luke Hennessey’s left wing corner escaped the clutches of Jamie Emery and struck the unfortunate Ben Jevons and divert into the net to put Dudley in front. In the  55th minute Emery produced a reaction save from Connor Armstrong, who then just minutes later played a slide rule pass in behind the Swifts defence for Crook to race through and make it 3-1.

Ethan Muckley exposed the Swifts defence again three minutes later to fire past Emery from ten yards , and with  Meddows, Goodluck Eke and Harland all passing up good chances for the Swifts to make a game of it, with a minute to go Crook completed a fine hat trick to drive in number five from 25 yards to complete a miserable week for the visitors.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Meddows, , Slevin, Tilbury, Bailey, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Murray, Canavan, Matt Hanson, Eke

Swifts bow out with a whimper

Stourport Swifts 1  Worcester City  5   Isuzu FA Vase  10th February   Att: 1903

Stourport Swifts FA Vase quarter final dreams ended on Saturday with this 5th Round home mauling by Worcester City.

The record breaking crowd of 1903 saw Worcester take control from the start, and although Adam Hanson flashed an angled shot narrowly wide after 5 minutes, the visitors were more composed on the ball and Liam Lockett forced the first save of the game from Jamie Emery before Jamie Insall had the ball in the net in the 16th minute but was judged offside.

City took the lead after 25 minutes when Kirk Layton rose first to connect with Adam Mace’s right side corner and his angled header left Emery with no chance. Swifts tried to respond, but only a long range effort from skipper Martin Slevin forced City keeper Haydn Whitcombe into action. On 40 minutes Swifts were undone again from a Mace corner, with defenders static as Jamie Insall flicked in a close range header, and on the stroke of half time Kyle Belmonte broke clear to chip over Emery to give Worcester a 3-0 half time lead.

The expected Swifts fightback never came, as Worcester maintained their grip on the match , keeping the ball and possession and winning crucial 50/50 challenges to deny the Swifts any chance of building some pressure, and Belmonte blasted in a thunderous shot on 59 minutes, to make it four, and Liam Lockett bundled in at the far post after the Swifts twice failed to clear.

Ben Tilbury finally put Stourport on the scoresheet from close range after some good work from Ethan Tivey to give the Swifts a consolation goal in the 81st minute.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Tilbury,Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Tivey

Missed chances cost Swifts

Stourport Swifts 1  Romulus 1  MPL  3rd February 2024  Att: 134

A series of wasted chances saw Stourport Swifts miss out on the chance to close the gap in the race for the play off places.

In the first 20 minutes alone, Swifts saw opportunities to put this match beyond the visitors’ reach go begging as Ethan Tivey and Goodluck Eke both failed twice to hit the target from gilt edged chances.

Jamie Meddows twice forced saves from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the space of five minutes, and shaved the post with a long range effort before Tivey finally broke the deadlock when he turned in a Drew Canavan cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with one way traffic again, as Meddows went close again with a 20yard effort, and Eke saw his shot blocked following Ben Tilbury’s header.

Romulus began to take advantage of Stourport’s failure to press home their advantage, and Rob Hanna twice tested Emery before finally grabbing an equaliser with five minutes to go when substitute Isia Marsellia held off the challenge of Martin Slevin to cooly lob over Emery

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, , Birch, Jim Hanson,Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Tilbury

Eke double gives Swifts the points

Stourport  Swifts 3  Tividale 1  MPL  31st January 2024  Att: 105

Goodluck Eke notched two first half goals to make it seven in seven games and send the Swifts on their way to three points.

Swifts started brightly, and after five minutes Jim Hanson tested Louis Connor in the Tividale goal with a 25yarder which he tipped over the bar at full stretch, and two minutes later brother Matt provided a pin point cross from the left for Eke to rise at the far post and place an angled header past Connor.

Tividale levelled the score after 14 minutes from a well worked corner routine which saw Max Morris drive high into the net past Jamie Emery. Aaron Birch tested Connor again with a low shot following a Meddows’ corner, and Ethan Tivey almost made it two for the Swifts after a smart knock down from Eke.

The visitors could have gone in front on the half hour when Jack Till burst through on goal, but delayed just long enough for Ethan Hanson to get back and block his shot with a fine tackle.

Eke was on hand to score his second just before the break when he forced in from close range after another Meddows corner and put the Swifts in front, but Tividale hit back quickly, and only saves in succession by Emery first from a clever flick from Dominic Dell, then a snapshot from Ewan Edwards, kept Stourport in front.

Eke had the chance for his hat trick on the hour after being put through by Meddows, but his fierce effort was comfortably taken by Connor, then Meddows took a long range crack himself which skidded just wide.

With 8 minutes to go Swifts added a third when Meddows cut in from the right past two defenders and drilled a low shot just inside the left hand post from the edge of the box, but Tividale would not lie down, and responded immediately when sub Malcolm Melvin fired in a rising 20yarder to give Stourport an anxious last five minutes.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Glenister, Birch, Jim Hanson, Meddows , Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Joe Hanson, Bailey, Murray, Barry, Philips

 Swifts make it three League wins in row

Stourport Swifts 3  Stone Old Alleynians  0 MPL  27th January 2024  Att: 145

Swifts had an early scare when Stone striker Sam Wilson shot wide when clean through on goal, but soon settled into a good rhythm, and matt Harland stung keeper Raajan Gill’s fingers with a fierce angled drive he did well to hold, and Ben Jevons almost forced in from closer range from Drew Canavan’s free kick.

Jack Watts lobbed the Swifts in front with a sublime finish over the advancing Gill when he was quickest to react to Canavan’s through ball with the finest of touches. Watts almost made it two minutes later when he cut inside from the left but shot narrowly wide. Stone skipper Matt Thomas blazed over the top from ten yards following a rare Stone corner, but Swifts were two in front in the 52nd minute when Canavan’s cross from the right was headed back across goal by R’mar Murray for Jamie Meddows to thump high into the net from 8 yards out.

Watts again caused trouble for the Stone defence when he skipped past two defenders to set up Adam Hanson, but his shot flashed over the top, and Watts almost added to the score himself when he opened up the Stone defence but fired over the bar. Hanson came within inches of scoring when he was fastest to latch on to a long kick from Jamie Emery, but his first touch effort flashed just wide of the post.

Goodluck Eke almost scored with his touch after coming on with 20 minutes to go, but his smart shot on the turn after a driving run by Matt Harland was tipped around the post by Gill. With six minutes left, Ryan Glenister scored his first goal for the Swifts when Jack Bailey crossed from the left and he drove a low right foot drive past Gill from a narrow angle, and almost scored his second with a carbon copy effort on the volley, but Gill produced an outstanding save to deny Swifts a fourth.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Birch, Watts, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Eke, Adam Hanson, Bailey, Glenister

Swifts go down in penalty shootout

Stourport  Swifts 1  Redditch Utd. 1  WFA Senior Cup 23rd January 2024  Att: 125

Holders Stourport Swifts lost out in a repeat of last year’s final against Redditch in a nail biting penalty shoot out.

Swifts took a second half lead in the 56th minute when skipper Ben Jevons headed in from close range following a Drew Canavan free kick, after a dull and chanceless first half, and looked like hanging on for a place in the semi final, until with 6 minutes left on the clock Reece Flanagan was on hand to level after the Swifts defence twice failed to clear.

After Danny King and Canavan both sored from the spot, and Tyreece Skeen-Hamilton had put Redditch in front, Matt Harland blazed over the bar, then Adam Hanson saw his tame kick saved by Jack Price, for Flanagan and AJ George to score comfortably and put Redditch into the semi final against Alvechurch.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Meddows, Birch, Adam Hanson, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Pratt, Bailey

 Swifts march into last 16

Stourport  Swifts 3 Ashby Ivanhoe 1  FA Vase 13th January 2024  Att: 305

Stourport Swifts won through to Round 5 of the Isuzu FA Vase for only the 3rd time in their history with this win over United Counties Premier North side Ashby Ivanhoe.

Swifts were fortunate not to fall behind as early as the 3rd minute, when Ashby’s 23 goal front man Sam Grouse raced clear of the defence but blazed wastefully over the top with the goal at his mercy. Chris Acott saw a similar chance come his way 20 minutes later, but the outcome was also similar. Stourport began to settle into some rhythm, and created three opportunities in as many minutes, with Jamie Meddows just failing to connect with Martin Slevin’s low shot at the far post, Ben Tilbury turned on the edge of the box and fired narrowly wide, and Goodluck Eke fizzed an angled drive just past the upright.

Ashby took the lead in the 36th minute when Will Robson crossed low from the right and picked out the advancing Sam Grouse who drove fiercely past Ryan Pratt from 15 yards. Adam Hanson cut inside and shot wide as the Swifts responded, and on the stroke of half time Hanson drilled in a low cross from the byline which struck defender Jake Conkay two yards out and rebounded into the net for an unlikely equaliser.

Eight minutes into the second half Swifts went ahead when skipper Slevin fired in a long range cross from the left touchline which evaded the Ashby defence and sailed past keeper Sam Taylor into the top corner. Eke almost added a quick fire third when he turned Macauley Holmes on the edge of the box and hit a dipping volley just over the top.

Ashby began to mount some sustained pressure in search of a leveller, and Pratt came to the rescue in the 72nd minute when the ever dangerous Grouse was played through down the right and forced an outstanding save from the Swifts keeper. Aaron Birch headed over the bar from a Drew Canavan corner, and Adam Hanson then cut inside past 3 defenders only to shoot tamely at Taylor.

Jack Bailey almost calmed the Swifts jangling nerves with 5 minutes left when he robbed defender Holmes in possession, and rounded keeper Taylor, but Harry Stewart got back to clear his shot off the line and into the grateful Taylor's arms.

More drama followed in injury time, when Adam Hanson was brought down from behind in the box, and Canavan blasted in the spot kick which Taylor got a full length hand to but could only turn in off the post.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke,  . SUBS USED:  Jim Hanson, Bailey, Birch

 Meddows double fires Swifts

AFC Wulfrunians 0  Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  30th December  Att: 124

Jamie Meddows scored his first goals for Stourport Swifts with two second half thunderbolts to give his side a Happy New Year.

Swifts had nothing to show for their first half possession, with Goodluck Eke and Adam Hanson both squandering early efforts, and Ben Tilbury headed over a Drew Canavan corner after ten minutes. Hanson almost scored twice in as many minutes, first firing narrowly over the top after Tilbury and Ethan Tivey had opened up the Wulfs defence, then shaving the post with a low drive after Eke had held off two challenges to make the space for his shot. Tivey then forced a fine save from Jack Richards in the home goal, and Meddows' fierce effort was charged down by defender Jack Rowley.

Wulfrunians were restricted to two efforts on goal, with Ethan Hanson cutting off the dangerous Finlay Barker when he charged through, and blocking Ashley Brown’s shot with a solid tackle.

In the second half Eke saw another effort saved by Richards before Meddows was on hand in the 54th minute to thump a fierce 30 yarder into the bottom corner to give the Swifts the lead. Barker blazed wide from a good chance to level ten minutes later, but Meddows made it 2-0 shortly after with an angled dipping shot from even further out than his first goal which flew over Richards into the top corner.

With minutes to go, Tilbury played Eke in behind and he made no mistake to coolly slot past Richards to make it three

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Harland, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Eke, Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

Swifts take the points in local derby

Stourport  Swifts  5 Bewdley Town 0   MPL  26th December 2023  Att: 329

Stourport Swifts came out on top in the Boxing day derby in a one sided match which could have produced even more goals.

Swifts could easily have been in front in the first five minutes, but Matt Hanson headed wide from brother Jim’s cross at the far post, and a Jamie Meddows cross flashed across goal which  all three Swifts teammates in the box managed to avoid.

Adam Hanson forced the first save at the start of a busy afternoon for Bewdley keeper Owen Hughes in the 14th minute, Meddows saw his goalbound effort blocked, and Ben Tilbury headed over the top from a raking cross from the right from Drew Canavan. Swifts finally took the lead when Adam Hanson’s cross was taken on the turn by Goodluck Eke, and driven past Hughes from ten yards out. Jack Ricketts shot narrowly wide from long range in a rare Bewdley attack, and in the 35th minute Hughes did well to tip Meddows’ shot onto the post. Four minutes later Swifts extended their lead when Ethan Tivey played a clever pass inside the Bewdley defence for Adam Hanson to round keeper Hughes to score. On the stroke of half time Tivey almost added a third, but Hughes produced a fine reflex save at point blank range.

Hughes did well again four minutes into the second half when he turned a sharp snap shot from Adam Hanson round the post, but Swifts broke through again following a spell of pressure when Tivey  slipped a neat pass inside for Ethan Hanson to give the keeper no chance with an angled right foot drive just inside the post. Adam Hanson then turned provider to set up Eke for his second goal and Swifts fourth, and just two minutes later Eke passed up the chance of his hat trick when his shot came back off the post.

Tilbury fired narrowly wide and Eke also shot wide when clean through on goal as the Swifts continued to dominate, but Adam Hanson finally added his second goal with a minute to go to make it 5-0.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Jim Hanson, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury, Tivey, Eke,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey.

Jevons red costs Swifts

Congleton Town 3  Stourport Swifts 0  MPL   23rd December  Att: 626

Two yellow cards in the space of five first half minutes for skipper Ben Jevons left Stourport Swifts with a mountain to climb at league leaders Congleton on Saturday.

Swifts, already trailing to a Dan Needham goal in the 8th minute, had started brightly, but first lost Ryan Glenister with an injury after five minutes, and twenty minutes later Jevons’ double yellow card left them with ten men for the rest of the match. A third blow came six minutes later when Ben Tilbury diverted a Needham cross from the right past Jamie Emery for an own goal and a two goal deficit.

Stourport made it to the interval without further damage, but worked hard in the second half to contain Congleton, who had won all seven home matches so far this season. Swifts rejigged back line of Matt, Jim and Ethan Hanson and R’mar Murray battled manfully to restrict any serious efforts on goal, and Jamie Emery handled superbly from some threatening set piece action despite the home side’s efforts to crowd him out of the danger areas.

With 15 minutes left Swifts could have pulled one back when Goodluck Eke blazed over the top after some good work from Ethan Tivey, and minutes later Tilbury put wide a close range header from another good chance.

Two minutes from the end however, Pete Williams was left with a little too much time on the edge of the box to pick his spot and curl a right foot shot just inside the post to leave the Swifts with a decidedly  unhappy Christmas.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Matt Hanson, Jim Hanson, Meddows, Adam Hanson, Tilbury ,Eke,Tivey. SUBS USED:  Murray, Bailey

 Last gasp leveller saves a point

Northwich Victoria 2 Stourport  Swifts  2   MPL  16th Dec 2023  Att: 110

Late goals from super subs Elliott Lees and Matt Hanson gave Stourport Swifts an unlikely point after a lack lustre performance at Northwich on Saturday.

Northwich raced into a 2-0 half time lead with goals from Callum Parker after 23 minutes, and Sam Unwin on the stroke of half time. Swifts did not manage a reply until Lees pulled one back in the 89th minute, and Hanson snatched a point in injury time. Skipper Martin Slevin also saw red in injury time after bringing down Unwin when he was through on goal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Meddows, Slevin, Tilbury, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Harris-James, Lees, Pratt.

 Bailey double fires Swifts into Round 4

Eastwood CFC 1  Stourport Swifts 4  Isuzu FA Vase  2nd December Att: 134

A first half brace from Jack Bailey set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 4 of the FA Vase.

Jamie Emery was called into early action to save from Kyle Tomlin, but the Swifts eased their way into the driving seat, and Adam Hanson saw his low shot saved by Sam Wilson in the Eastwood goal, and Ben Tilbury was unlucky to see his 40 yard lob bounce over the bar with Wilson stranded.

Swifts went in front in the 35th minute when Tilbury played an inch perfect pass inside the Eastwood defence for Bailey to take first time and steer his cross shot just inside the post. Tilbury went close himself in the 40th minute but his effort was just too high, and a minute later Eastwood were level when Stourport twice failed to clear and Tyler Blake drill a low shot past Emery into the corner from eight yards out. The home side’s joy was shortlived however when on the stroke of half time Bailey’s 20 yard shot took a wicked deflection off skipper Romaine Graham to wrong foot Wilson and restore the Swifts lead.

Stourport breathed a sigh of relief during some early second half pressure, when Alex Troke’s firm header came back off the post with Emery stranded, then Blake drove a fierce effort inches past the same post. Jim Hanson then crafted himself a clear opportunity when he cut inside from the left, but his tame shot was easily collected by Wilson.

Swifts increased their lead in the 66th minute when Bailey and Tilbury linked up well to open up space for Adam Hanson to curl a perfect left foot drive into the top corner from 15 yards, and four minutes later Bailey forced  Tyreece Robinson into a misplaced pass for Tilbury to pounce and slide home past Wilson.

The visitors turned on the style in the last 15 minutes, and Stourport could easily have run up a big score, but Tilbury and Dan Reka both failed to make the most of some slick approach work.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Harland, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Slevin, Birch, Tilbury ,Bailey, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Reka

Swifts stalemate again

Whitchurch Alport 3 Stourport Swifts 3  MPL  25th November Att: 125

Swifts let a two goal lead slip and had to rely on a late Matt Harland goal for a point in this six goal thriller at Whitchurch.

Jamie Emery was called into early action when he did well to punch clear a dangerous Alex Hughes cross and George Carpenter’s header flew narrowly wide, before Stourport went in front after Adam Hanson cut in from the left and crossed low for Aaron Birch to convert from 5 yards.

Whitchurch responded immediately, and Emery saved brilliantly from Chris Akiamale and then a fierce effort from Jacob Edwards in the space of two minutes, then Drew Canavan split the Whitchurch defence in the 21st minute with a slide rule pass for Ben Tilbury to race clear and drive past keeper Jack Sheward to double the Swifts lead.

Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson were on red alert at the back for Stourport as the home side mounted some heavy pressure, with both needed to block Akiamale’s driving run into the box, and Hanson clearing off the line following Carpenter’s free kick. Whitchurch got the goal their efforts threatened in the 36th minute, when Hughes and Adam Hailes exchanged quick passes on the edge of the box to open up the space for Carpenter to arrive and drill low past Emery.

The second half began just as the first ended, with Whitchurch pressing hard to get level, and Hughes played a deep ball to the far post which looked to have missed everyone, but the cross was turned back into the box by Harry Bowers for Hailes to level the score.  Ben Tilbury let slip the chance to ease the pressure when he again was played in behind but defender Aaron Sims blocked off the chance as he was about to let fly.Ten minutes later Whitchurch were in front for the first time when another Hughes cross from the left was met by Hailes at the far post to fire past Emery.

Swifts looked down and out until the 72nd minute when Joe Hanson’s deep cross was flicked on by Birch for Matt Harland to drive into the box to make it 3-3.

Jack Bailey scored what seemed to be winner with a smart volley in the 86th minute, but the linesman’s flag spoiled the celebrations.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury ,Reka, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Slevin, Murray

Ten man Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1  Lichfield City 1  MPL  18th Nov 2023  Att: 157

Striker Goodluck Eze was red carded after half an hour of this match, but Stourport Swifts were unlucky to concede a last minute Lichfield equaliser after a battling ten man display.

Eke went close from a Matt Harland cross before his early bath, and Adam Hanson shot narrowly wide after 19 minutes as Swifts were in command in the opening stages.

Swifts re organised quickly, and Hanson threatened again on the stroke of half time, driving just past the post with Lichfield keeper James Beeson scrambling. The second half saw Swifts maintain the initiative despite being a man down, and Hanson and Ben Tilbury combined neatly across the Lichfield penalty area, but the shot was blocked. Two minutes later Swifts were in front when Drew Canavan crossed from the left and Tilbury’s deft downward header crept in at the far post.

Jamie Emery produced an outstanding save from Lichfield sub Cameron Dunn in the 71st minute, and showed some great reflexes five minutes later with a double save from Liam Kurton’s piledriver and Jude Taylor’s point blank follow up.

Swifts however continued to look more likely to add to their lead, with Tilbury close again after another Harland cross, and Ben Jevons seeing his shot blocked after a series of corners. With four minutes left on the clock Ethan Tivey and Canavan produced some outstanding link up play to carve open the Lichfield defence, but Beeson tipped wide for a corner, but with the clock ticking down, full back Lewi Burnside arrived at the far post from a left wing Lichfield corner to drive an unstoppable angled shot past Emery to snatch a point for his side.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Tilbury, Eke, Adam Hanson,  . SUBS USED:  Tivey

Swifts squeeze through on penalties

 Pershore Town 2 Stourport  Swifts 2 (Swifts win 5-3 on pens) WFA Senior Cup 15th Nov 2023  Att: 91

Holders Stourport Swifts suffered a nervous night at Hellenic league Pershore and needed a 5 out of 5 shoot out win to make Round 3 of the WFA Senior Cup.

Adam Hanson gave the Swifts an early lead, cutting in from the right and firing low past keeper Eddie Cox from just outside the box, and almost added a second ten minutes later, but his shot hit Ben Tilbury and rebounded to safety.

Swifts then settled into a comfortable spell of possession in which Pershore rarely threatened, and it took until the 42nd minute before Jamie Emery was forced to make a save, holding on well to a Petar Tonchev shot.

In the space of five second half minutes Tilbury could have put the game beyond reach, first outpacing the Pershore defence but shooting straight at Cox, then playing Ethan Tivey through on goal who fired over the bar, before bursting through again himself but chipping his shot onto the crossbar.

Tonchev equalised for Pershore in the 68th minute when played in behind on the Swifts right to fire low past Emery, and the game turned completely five minutes later when Scott Hammond was on hand to score from close range and put his side in front. Stourport struck back to level when Emery’s long clearance escaped the attentions of the Pershore defence and Tilbury raced through to drive past Cox.

The penalty shootout saw Alfie Bloomer’s spot kick, Pershore’s second, saved well by Emery, and with Drew Canavan, Tilbury, Adam Hanson and skipper Martin Slevin making no mistake, Matt Harland blasted the Swifts through 5-3.

SWIFTS: Emery, Glenister, Slevin, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Tivey, Tilbury, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Lee-Callow, Joe Hanson, Harris-James, Canavan

 Goodluck sends Swifts into Round 3

AFC Wulfrunians 2 Stourport Swifts 3  FA Vase Round 2 11th November Att: 106

Swifts new frontman Goodluck Eke scored twice in three first half minutes to put Stourport Swifts in the driving seat to the Third Round of the Isuzu FA Vase.

Stourport dominated the early stages with Jim Hanson seeing his goalbound shot blocked and Ethan Tivey scuffing a good chance straight at Wulfs keeper Dan Crane. Tivey and Aaron Birch then carved out a good opportunity on the left but the cross was cut out by defender Tom Poole.

Swifts then took the lead when Eke forced in from close range after Adam Hanson’s shot was blocked, and before Wulfrunians could recover Eke was on hand again to fire home Matt Harland’s cross from the left over Crane. The chances continued to come, and Crane saved well from Birch, Jim Hanson tested him with a 30 yarder, and Tivey headed another Adam Hanson cross narrowly wide.

In the second half Wulfrunians showed more intent, but rarely troubled a solid Swifts back line in which skipper Ben Jevons and Ethan Hanson snuffed out any threat instantly.

Adam Hanson extended the Swifts lead on the hour when he cut inside from the right to drive a low 25 yarder past Crane into the bottom corner. Wulfs striker Dennis Digie forced Jamie Emery into his first real save in the 71st minute, but Swifts continued to look comfortable until the clock ticked into injury time, when Wulfs captain Brad Maslen- Jones first curled in a fine 25 yard shot to make it 3-1, then set up a grandstand finish when he forced in from close range from a left wing corner.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Birch, Eke, Adam Hanson. SUBS USED:  Slevin, Murray, Reka

Swifts battered in League Cup

Stourport Swifts 0   Tividale 4   24th October 2023  Att: 107

Stourport Swifts came down to earth with a bump after Saturday’s FA Vase heroics, and were soundly beaten by Tividale in the first round of the League Cup.

Tividale started brightly, and almost went ahead after just 5 minutes when Ryan Snape caught Jim Hanson in possession on the edge of the box and his snap shot flew narrowly past the post. Jamie Emery then saved well at the feet of the same player before Dominic Dell put the writing on the wall for Stourport with two smart goals in the space of 5 minutes. First he reacted quickly after Swifts dithered to fire in from close range, then finished off an incisive break down the right to convert Ewan Edwards’ cross to make it 2-0.

Ethan Tivey saw his shot saved by keeper Tim Beech in a rare Swifts attack, and Swifts best chance then  followed but Lee Chilton’s point blank effort was also saved by Beech. Ryan Snape then put the visitors firmly in control when he fired a peach of a free kick into the top corner from 20 yardsin the 43rd minute.

Swifts lost Saturday’s match winner Adam Hanson with an ankle injury just before the break, and manager Quentin Townsend rang the changes to introduce rested skipper Ben Jevons, Martin Slevin and Matt Hanson at half time to shake up a lethargic performance. Tividale then saw keeper Beech sent off for handling outside his area seven minutes into the second half, and despite finally some Swifts pressure and close misses from Harland , Chilton and Bailey, Cody Mullen rounded off a fine Tividale performance to make it 4-0 with six minutes to go, and give the Swifts an early cup exit.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray, Canavan, Jim Hanson, Harland, Chilton, Tivey, Adam Hanson . SUBS USED:  Bailey, Jevons, Slevin, Matt Hanson, McCardle,

 Hanson special puts Swifts in Round 2

Stourport Swifts 2 Sherwood Colliery 1   Isuzu FA Vase Round 1 21st October Att: 145

Stourport Swifts came from a goal down to edge past United Counties North league leaders Sherwood Colliery to book their place in the second round.

The first half was a tight encounter, with neither side creating clear cut chances, but the visitors broke the deadlock after 14 minutes, when skipper Jobe Shaw fired a low shot into the bottom corner after Stourport failed to clear a free kick.Swifts pushed hard for an equaliser but were unconvincing in front of goal, but equalised when Jack Watts pounced on a defensive mistake and lobbed his shot over keeper Louis Kinnerlay.

Swifts came out in the second half looking the far more threatening team, and Drew Canavan went close to giving his side the lead when his chip over Kinnerlay struck the bar. Persistence eventually paid off in the 75th minute, resulting in a fabulous goal good enough to win any match. Ben Tilbury floated in a cross to the far post where Adam Hanson provided a spectacular overhead kick to turn the match in Stourport’s favour.

The Nottinghamshire side piled on the pressure in the closing stages in the hope of finding an equaliser, but Swifts were defiant in defence and held on to secure victory.

STAR MAN: Drew Canavan 

ENTERTAINMENT: *****

(Report from Hamilton Lyndon-Griffith, The Non League Paper 22nd October)

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Harland, Barry, Tilbury, Watts, Adam Hanson,  SUBS USED:  Murray, Reka

Swifts ease into Round 2

Stourport Swifts 4 Sporting Club Inkberrow 0 WFA Senior Cup 17th October Att: 95

Two first half goals from Adam Hanson set Stourport Swifts on the road to Round 2 as they began their defence of the WFA Senior Cup.

Hanson fired his first goal for the club after five minutes with a snap volley from eight yards out from R’mar Murray’s left wing cross as the Swifts took an early grip on the game. Ethan Tivey could have bagged himself a first half hat trick but for Inkberrow keeper Tom Nicholls heroics, as he twice saved with his legs to block goalbound efforts, and kept out another when he tipped Tivey’s low shot around the post. Nicholls saved well again from Lee Chilton as he was set up by Tivey, and the visitors almost levelled in the 40th minute but Ethan Hanson was on hand to clear off the line from Will Skelton’s shot.

On the stroke of half time, Hanson scored his second goal with a cool finish past Nicholls after being played in by Ben Tilbury. Swifts could have increased their lead early in the second half, but Tilbury shot wide when well placed, and Chilton saw his 25yard free kick dip narrowly over the bar. Inkberrow skipper Tom Emblem came close in a rare Inkberrow spell of pressure, but his long range effort flashed wide of the post.

Dan Reka made it three for the Swifts in the 64th minute when he headed home Chilton’s corner from close range, then Tivey finished off the move of the match when Jim Hanson and Chilton carved open the visitors defence to set him up with a simple finish.

Swifts will visit Pershore in Round 2 .

 SWIFTS: Pratt, Glenister, Barry, Ethan Hanson, Murray,  Adam Hanson, Tilbury, McArdle, Chilton, Reka, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Matt Hanson, Joe Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland

Chilton winner keeps Swifts in fifth

Stourport Swifts 2 Northwich Victoria 1  14th October Att:140

Lee Chilton’s 76th minute header gave Stourport Swifts the win they deserved against Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Swifts should have taken the lead as early as the 10th minute, but Ben Tilbury shot over the top from Chilton’s right wing cross, then Chilton’s header was saved by keeper Adam Reid following a pin point cross from the left from Ethan Tivey. Jim Hanson then forced Reid to a smart save with an angled shot as he cut in from the left. Vics striker Dylan Fritzgerald then gave Jamie Emery an anxious moment, but his low shot flashed just wide. Matt Harland was then set up by Aaron Birch but again the shot went wide, and Tivey created an opening with a nice touch but was also off target.

The visitors best chance came in the 39th minute, when Sam Unwin escaped the attentions of Jevons and Ethan Hanson and burst through on goal, but Emery saved well with his legs, and then just before half time Chilton shaved the crossbar with a long range free kick.

Chilton went close again in the 50th minute when he chipped narrowly over the bar, but Nial Sulton headed wide when well placed to score and Dylan Switters headed over the top from close range as Northwich began to create some chances of their own. A goal finally came in the 62nd minute, when Ricardo Griman was judged to have handled in the box and Ben Tilbury fired the Swifts in front from the penalty spot despite Reid’s full length dive almost keeping his low drive out. The Vics could have levelled just three minutes later, when Switters met Sulton’s cross from the right full on the volley 10 yards out, but the shot flashed inches wide with Emery stranded. Switters made no mistake six minutes later though, when he cut inside from the left and fired in low past Emery to equalise.

Ben Tilbury delayed his shot which was turned wide for a corner, and then headed over the top, but after Adam Hanson crossed to the far post, Joe Hanson headed back across goal for Chilton to dart in and head the winner past Reid.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Barry, Birch , Harland, Chilton, Tilbury, Tivey, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Adam Hanson, Canavan

Swifts have to settle for a point

 Stourport  Swifts  1   AFC Wulfrunians 1  7th October 2023  Att: 143

Swifts almost paid the price for a slow start, with Wulfs strikers Ben Worthington shooting wide from close in, Dan Munday forcing Jamie Emery to a fine save, and Jack Sang delaying his shot to allow Ben Jevons  to block his goal bound effort, all in the opening ten minutes.

Dan Reka shot over the top for Swifts first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, then a clever flick from Reka set up Lee Chilton but his shot was blocked. Reka’s smart overhead kick was saved by Tom Hayward in the Wulfs goal following Drew Canavan’s corner, but it was Wulfrunians who took the lead in the 33rd minute when Sangs low drive from 25 yards crept jut inside Emery’s right hand post. This prompted a concerted spell of Swifts pressure and Canavan saw his goalbound volley blocked, and Joe Hanson almost levelled with an angled header. Canavan then forced Hayward to a full length save to tip his fierce low drive past the post. From Chilton’s corner however, Ben Jevons made no mistake when he powered home a far post header to equalise.

Second half chances were few and far between for either side, but Ben Tilbury shot over when well placed in the 65th minute, before the best chance of the half went begging when Chilton’s cross from the left was missed by Hayward as he came to collect it, and Tilbury was inches away from heading into an empty net.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Barry, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED:  McArdle, Adam Hanson, Eden, Murray

 Swifts unbeaten run ends

Shifnal 2 Stourport  Swifts  0   30th September 2023  Att: 151

Nine man Stourport Swifts saw the end of their unbeaten run at Shifnal on Saturday after losing a man in each half to virtually end this game as a contest.

Ethan Hanson was first to depart after just 14 minutes when he was judged to have pulled down Josh Hesson as the two players tangled in the box and Josh Thomas converted the spot kick.

Swifts had a narrow escape ten minutes later when Macara Mcnulty-Hartnett saw his fierce drive come back off the bar, but Swifts still posed a threat when keeper Yankuba Colley was forced to save at close range from Ben Tilbury.

Lewis Jarman blazed wide at the start of the second half, but Swifts again came close when Hanson played Tilbury in again, but his shot was saved. In the 56 minute Swifts best chance to get back in the game saw Dan Reka and Aaron Birch combine to rob keeper Colley in possession, but Birch couldn’t find the empty net, and was forced to pass square before Shifnal managed to clear their lines. Joe Cuff shot wide before Swifts lost Aaron Birch for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

Matt Johnson fired over the top 8 minutes later as the Swifts battled bravely, with Canavan blocking Evan Bagry’s effort well, and Matt Harland and Lee Chilton covering acres of ground to keep the Swifts in with a chance of stealing a goal, but with a minute left Hesson produced an outstanding 25 yarder to seal the points for Shifnal.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Canavan, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED:  Johnson, Reka

 Highgate win keeps Swifts moving up

 Stourport  Swifts  3  Highgate United 2  26th September 2023  Att: 67

Stourport Swifts rose to 2nd in the table last night with this win against Highgate, and even two injury time goals from the visitors could not take the gloss off an impressive performance.

In an enjoyably competitive match, Swifts showed their the desire to keep their winning run going, and after 6 minutes Ben Tilbury saw his shot well blocked by Reece Francis in the Highgate goal when played in by Matt Harland.

Skipper Ben Jevons returned to the Swifts back line after missing Saturday’s win, and did well to block a goal bound effort from Charlie Shaw, before then testing Francis again with a header from Lee Chilton’s free kick. Swifts went in front in the 32nd minute when another dangerous free kick from Chilton on the right was headed into his own goal as he tried to clear. Highgate responded well and Ryan Harkin managed to wriggle past two defenders before Ethan Hanson was on hand to block the danger.

Shaw fired wastefully over the top at the start of the second half, before Harland drove at the Highgate backline before playing in Tilbury again, who this time made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0. The introduction of Adam Hanson gave the Swifts a dangerous threat down the left side, and his run opened up the Highgate defence for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked, and Aaron Birch shot narrowly over the top from close range from the resulting corner. Tilbury was the provider ten minutes later for Chilton to force a fine save from Francis as the Swifts pushed to extend their lead.

In the 80th minute Tilbury, Birch and Chilton linked up well to create another opportunity, but Francis again saved well, and was in action again two minutes later when he went to full stetch to tip over a powerful Jevons header. Chilton finally added to his side’s lead with two minutes of normal time remaining when he pounced to slide past Francis from a narrow angle just inside the post.

With the game looking secure however, the drama was not over, when in injury time Kartel O’Neil-Martin pulled one back for Highgate after Jamie Emery’s clearance was blocked to give him a simple chance and tap in, and three minutes later George Cleet headed in from close range to leave Swifts’ nerves jangling for the final minute of added time

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Reka, . SUBS USED: Adam Hanson, Eden, Johnson, Murray

 Swifts go fourth in table

  Stourport  Swifts  2  Uttoxeter Town 1  23rd September 2023  Att: 82

Stourport Swifts continued their run of form with three points against Uttoxeter to leapfrog them into fourth place in the table and extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Swifts took control from the start, and could easily have gone three goals in front as first Ben Tilbury fired over the top from close in, then Lee Chilton twice tested keeper Charlie Wood before Tilbury forced another save on 20 minutes.

Uttoxeter began to produce some threat of their own, and Reuben Kenny brought a fine save from Jamie Emery in the 25th minute, before Chilton and Tilbury linked up well only for Tilbury’s shot to be blocked by Tom Thorley. Tilbury should have given his side the lead they deserved in the 39th minute, when he met Joe Hanson’s cross from the right with a powerful header, which came back off Wood, hit Tilbury, and rebounded over the bar.

Uttoxeter pressed hard at the start of the second half, with Mike Conlon forcing Emery to a fine save to his left, and from the resulting corner, Rob Thorley rattled the Swifts bar from close in.

Swifts finally went in front in the 59th minute when Ethan Hanson played Tilbury in behind the visitors’ defence, and he cooly lobbed over the advancing Wood from ten yards despite some heavy pressure from two defenders. Joe Hanson headed narrowly over the bar from Tilbury’s cross minutes later, but Uttoxeter almost levelled when substitute David Ndene saw his shot well saved by Emery, but made no mistake from the resulting corner when Joel Dyche forced home the equaliser from close range on 72 minutes.

With five minutes remaining Ethan Hanson arrived on the spot to head home the winner once again, this time from Chilton’s free kick from the right, and give his side their second win in a week.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Murray, Birch , Johnson, Chilton, Tilbury, Adam Hanson, . SUBS USED: Antonio, Reka, Binner

 Birch special proves a winner

Romulus 0  Stourport  Swifts  1  16th September 2023  Att: 101

A 25 yard piledriver from Swifts midfielder Aaron Birch on the stroke of half time was enough to give Stourport Swifts the points and Romulus their first defeat of the season.

Swifts strong start should have seen them out of sight by half time, with Ben Jevons hitting the bar with an angled lob after just two minutes, and Lee Chilton firing narrowly over the top after a clever flick from Ben Tilbury. Dan Reka forced a full length save from Romulus keeper Lewis Gwilliams in the 18th minute, and Ben Tilbury also saw his 20 yard effort dip narrowly over the bar as the Swifts dominated. The home sided were restricted to a solitary effort on goal in the first half, with Ryan Pratt saving well from a close range effort from Jose Paz.

Romulus showed more enterprise after the break, with Pratt tested by a Kish Kapour header in the 54th minute, and the Swifts back line facing a series of corners under pressure which were solidly dealt with. Steve Palmer saw a dangerous header fall narrowly wide as Romulus continued to press, but the Swifts produced the move of the match in the 68th minute with some sharp interplay on the left, when Tilbury, Chilton and Jim Hanson carved open the home defence to set up Drew Canavan, whose ten yard shot was desperately blocked by Cameron Lee.

Ben Jevons snuffed out another dangerous move with a fine challenge on sub Rob Hanna in the closing stages, but Swifts were well worth their narrow win.

SWIFTS: Pratt, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Harland, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury, Chilton. SUBS USED: Johnson Canavan

 Swifts have to settle for a point

Tividale 1  Stourport  Swifts 1 12th September 2023  Att: 72

A goal from Tividale striker Taylor Townsend direct from his left wing corner deprived Stourport Swifts of all three points from this match.

Aaron Birch notched his third goal of the new campaign five minutes before half time when he was first to react and force in Matt Johnson’s corner from close range, but with both sides struggling to keep the ball, chances were few and far between in a generally dour match.

 Joe Hawkins was narrowly wide as the stretched to reach a Lewis Taylor-Boyd free kick just before half time, but after the break Swifts failed to convert a series of chances which could have put the game beyond reach. Nathan Binner’s cross from the right saw Dan Reka head tamely at Tividale keeper Louis Connor, then Binner himself fired over the top when well placed.

The introduction of Lee Chilton on the hour sharpened the Swifts front line, and in the 68th his cross from the left found Binner at the far post but his shot was easily saved by Connor, and after Townsend’s equaliser Swifts best chance fell to Luke Sidaway after Binner’s cross, but his snapshot came back off the post from eight yards out.

Jim Hanson’s cross from the right was missed by everyone in the box, and Joe Hanson shot wide five minutes later as Swifts pushed hard for a win but couldn’t quite get there.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Harland, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Johnson, Birch, Binner, Reka, Murray. SUBS USED: Johnson, Canavan, Sidaway, 

Hanson header gives Swifts a win

Stourport  Swifts  2 Dudley Town  1  9th September 2023  Att: 171

Ethan Hanson powered home a 70th minute header from Matt Johnson’s free kick to give Stourport Swifts a hard earned 3 points.

Swifts bright start gave them an early lead when Jim Hanson drove a 30 yard right footer past Dudley keeper Ethan Hawkes with six minutes gone.

Dudley began to take control however, and almost levelled when Dave Jones cut inside past Nathan Binner, but fired into the side netting from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Dudley threatened again when Jim Hanson did well to take the sting out of an Oli Waddison shot, and Ethan Hanson cleared off the line.

The goal that Dudley threatened came in the 33rd minute when Swifts defenders backed off, and allowed Jamie Beddall to fire his own 30 yarder past Jamie Emery’s left hand into the top corner.

Dudley began where they left off after the break, and Waddison almost gave his side the lead when he rounded Emery, but Hanson got back to clear the danger. Emery then saved from Dan Jones before Swifts almost went in front following a teasing Chilton cross from the left which Antonio missed by a whisker.

Swifts looked likely to add to their lead after going in front, and Lewis Mitchell did well to rob Antonio with a last ditch tackle when he was through on goal, and they were able to breathe a little easier when Joe Colley was red carded after a tackle on Luke Sidaway with six minutes to go.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, McArdle, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Johnson, Joe Hanson,  Antonio, Harland, Sidaway, 

Last gasp equaliser costs Swifts

Lichfield City 1 Stourport  Swifts  1  Sat 2nd September 2023  Att: 136

A stoppage time equaliser left Stourport Swifts counting the cost of their missed chances as Lichfield snatched a last gasp point.

Defences dominated for most of this match, with goal chances at a premium, an even when they came, both goalkeepers showed their quality to deny any goalworthy efforts.

Lichfield’s Lewi Burnside twice forced fine saves from Jamie Emery in the first half, and Emery also did well to tip a dangerous Joe Haines corner over the bar under pressure.

Burnside did manage to squeeze one past Emery’s left hand early in the second half, but his low shot came back off the base of the post, and minutes later Emery was at full stretch again to tip a long range effort from Liam Kirton over the bar.

Swifts took the lead in the 55th minute when Lee Chilton teed up sub Dan McArdle on the edge of the box, and his low shot found the bottom corner just inside James Beeson’s left hand post. Swifts had a lucky escape when Emery did brilliantly to parry a point blank effort from Dan Smith, but Kirton somehow managed to head the rebound over the top from two yards out.

Stourport then created the two best chances of the match, both falling to Ben Tilbury, first shooting past the post when clean through on goal, and five minutes later Beeson managed to block his shot with his legs from an almost identical position. Beeson then acrobatically tipped Chilton’s cross from the right over the bar when Tilbury was poised to head in from three yards out.

Emery was fortunate with ten minutes left to escape with a booking when he handled outside his box, as Lichfield piled on the pressure, but just as the Swifts looked to have done enough for all three points, Ethan Hanson’s clearance struck a gleeful Kieron Francis and rebounded into the net for a 94th minute equaliser.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Chilton, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED:  McArdle, Sidaway,

Tilbury double gives Swifts first League win

 Stourport  Swifts 4 Congleton Town 2  MPL Sat 26th August  2023  Att: 128

Stourport Swifts were awarded three penalties in this match which helped them to all three points against previously unbeaten Premier League newcomers Congleton.

Swifts fell behind after just 3 minutes when livewire winger Dan Needham cut inside from the right and drilled a low shot past Jamie Emery from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Swifts almost levelled when Ben Tilbury’s clever reverse pass opened the Congleton defence, but was just too long for Nathan Binner to reach.

The visitors continued to look likely to add to their lead, but in the 21st minute Town defender Will Buckley was judged to have pulled Tilbury back in the box by his shirt, and Drew Canavan stepped up to fire past keeper Dave Parton off his left hand post from the penalty kick. The goal gave Swifts the lift they needed, and they almost went in front when Binner and Dan Reka linked up well, but Binner’s shot was well blocked by a last ditch tackle from Carl Dickinson.

Penalty number two came on 35 minutes when Ben Tilbury was brought down as he rounded Parton ready to tap in, but duly obliged to finish the job from the spot and put his side in front.

Congleton again started with purpose after the break, and Emery saved well to his left to tip Needham’s shot past the post, but Needham curled the resulting corner kick directly into the net at the far post for his second goal to level the scores.

Four minutes later, on 56 minutes, came penalty number three after Binner was brought down in the box, and although Parton saved well from Tilbury’s spot kick, he followed up to drive the rebound into the roof of the net and put his side back in front.

Congleton pressed hard for another equaliser, Jim Hanson cleared off the line after a frantic scramble, and Ethan Hartshorn forced another fine save from Emery, but with Ben Jevons outstanding again at the back for the Swifts, Ben Cowlishaw was on hand with a minute left to score a fourth from close range after Jack Bailey and Tilbury carved open the visitors defence on the left to give him a simple finish.

 SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Binner, Reka, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Antonio, Bailey, McArdle, Sidaway, Cowlishaw

Swifts out after replay

Stourport  Swifts 1  Hanley Town 2  Tues 22nd August  2023  Att: 163

Stourport Swifts crashed out of the FA Cup after this Preliminary Round replay on Tuesday night.

Hanley started brightly, and Charlie Walford shot narrowly wide on three minutes, with Kyle Blake doing the same just afterwards. Luke Sidaway went close for the Swifts with their first threat on goal, and Ben Tilbury was robbed in the nick of time by James Askey as he shaped to shoot from 12 yards.

A dangerous Lee Chilton cross was then cut out by Hanley keeper Adam Whitehouse, and Ethan Hanson blocked a Kieran Brown effort just as he broke clear on goal.

Hanley took the lead in the 32nd minute when player manager Ryan Shotton powered in a close range header from Matthew Bell’s corner, but Swifts levelled on the stroke of half time when Tilbury headed home from close range at the far post. Early in the second half Tilbury shot tamely at Whitehouse when well placed, but  in the 52nd minute Jim Hanson somehow manged to clear off the line after a frantic scramble in the Swifts goalmouth.

Hanley’s pressure was beginning to tell, and in the 65th minute the breakthrough came after a succession of corners when James Askey headed in from close range to give his side the lead.

Jamie Emery produced the save of the match from Tyrone Ofori’s close range piledriver, and Brown was unlucky to strike the post after holding off a strong challenge from Ben Jevons.

Swifts mounted a late rally as they tried to force an equaliser, with Aaron Birch going close with a header, Jack Bailey firing narrowly over the top, and Chilton bringing a fine save from Whitehouse, but Hanley held on to progress to the Qualifying Rounds.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Johnson, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, McCardle

Swifts battle for FA Cup replay

Hanley Town 2 Stourport Swifts 2   Sat 19th August  2023  Att: 111

A late equaliser from Hanley striker Kieran Brown deprived Stourport Swifts of a win in this FA Cup Preliminary Round tie.

Luke Sidaway twice missed the opportunity to put Swifts in front in the opening few minutes, first firing over the bar with keeper Adam Whitehead to beat, then shooting straight at the advancing keeper when through on goal. In the 8th minute Nathan Binner set up Lee Chilton with a good chance, but he too blazed over the top.

Swifts skipper Ben Jevons was on hand to clear a dangerous Walford corner as Hanley threatened, and Chilton did well to get back and clear off the line when James Askey headed back across goal. Tyrone Ofori  put Hanley in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after Joe Hanson was judged to have brought down Charlie Walford in the box.

Swifts began the second half with purpose, and Drew Canavan’s corner came back off the crossbar with Whitehead beaten, and Nathan Binner met Chilton’s cross on the volley at the near post, only to see his close range effort come back off the woodwork, but a minute later he made no mistake from ten yards out to level the scores after Chilton and Aaron Birch combined well on the left to carve out the chance. Chilton threatened again two minutes later, forcing a fine save from Whitehead with a 25 yard snapshot, but Hanley responded immediately and only an outstanding save from Jamie Emery kept out a fine effort from Ofori.

Swifts were in front for the first time in the 73rd minute, when Bailey and Chilton opened up the Hanley defence on the left for Ben Tilbury to drive in from 12 yards out, but the lead lasted only two minutes, as Canavan’s loose pass allowed Josh green to pick out a pin point cross for Kieron Brown to plant a firm header past Emery to level and force a replay.

SWIFTS: Emery, Joe Hanson, Jevons, Ethan Hanson, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Sidaway, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: Hylton, Bailey, Johnson

Swifts mauled in Studley

Studley 7  Stourport Swifts 1  MPL Mon 14th August  2023  Att: 73

Stourport Swifts went down to their heaviest ever Midland League defeat at Studley on Monday night.

The damage was done in the first half as Studley bulldozed into a 5-0 lead, with a strangely lethargic Swifts showing no response to a strong and energetic Studley opening.

Zach Guinan opened the scoring on 21 minutes, turning smartly on the edge of the box to fire low past Jamie Emery. Ben Tilbury missed a golden opportunity to level when he shot tamely wide with just keeper Brendan Bunn to beat, before Harry Eden made no mistake when he fired in for number two in the 26th minute. Max Martin got in on the at ten minutes later to score with a low drive from 15 yards, then Harry Lake powered in a close range header from Eden’s free kick.

Ash De Mulder completed a first half battering for the Swifts when he turned in number five on the stroke of half time.

After three substitutions, Stourport at least made a game of the second half, and following their brightest spell of the match, Aaron Birch pulled one back in the 57th minute after some neat approach work when he drove in low from 20 yards. Lee Chilton fired over the top from a free kick, and Bunn did well to keep out a Tilbury effort with his legs, but after Tyler Bruck raced clear and produced a calm finish to make it 6-1, and with ten minutes to go he added his second when he outpaced the Swifts defence to give his side a seven goal haul and the Swifts a humbling defeat.

SWIFTS: Emery, Johnson, Jevons, Gardner, Jim Hanson, Binner, Canavan, Birch, Bailey, Chilton, Tilbury. SUBS USED: McCardle, Sidaway, Joe Hanson, Cowlishaw

 Canavan penalty earns Swifts a point

Wolverhampton Casuals 1 Stourport Swifts 1 MPL  Sat 12th August  2023  Att: 55

A late Drew Canavan penalty gave Stourport Swifts a hard earned draw in their opening Midland Premier League match at Brinsford Stadium on Saturday.

Swifts keeper Jamie Emery was called into early action, saving at the feet of Casuals striker Tom Cottam, then tipping over a snap shot from Stan Mugisha, before Lee Chilton finished off a Canavan free kick smartly at the far post only to be given offside. Chilton and Luke Sidaway then combined well for Chilton to force a fine save from Casuals keeper Stan Amos.

With the home side showing more threat going forward, Cottam again burst through the Swifts defence to test Emery again, and Ben Tilbury did well to hold off Jayden Hunter, who was forced to shoot wide. Swifts best chance of the half fell to Dale Edwards in the 33rd minute, but blazed wide from 15 yards when perfectly placed to score, then Nathan Binner’s pin point cross set up Chilton, who forced Amos to another good save.

Canavan shaved the crossbar with a 25 yarder early in the second half, before Emery produced an acrobatic save to deny Casuals sub James May.

Casuals went in front with 15 minutes to go, when Matt Gritton powered in a close range header from a left wing corner, but five minutes later Tom Hurley handled a dangerous Tilbury cross to give Canavan the chance to despatch an equaliser firmly past Amos from the spot kick. Swifts sub Jack Bailey was twice denied a winner by Amos as Swifts pushed hard for all three points, but they still had Emery to thank again in the last minute when he produced an outstanding point blank save from James Pritchard.

.SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Edwards. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Cowlishaw, Joe Hanson, Matt Hanson

 Swifts through in FA Cup

Stourport Swifts 2 Coventry Sphinx 0  Sat 5th August  2023  Att:134

Stourport Swifts moved into the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup with an impressive win over Northern Premier League One side Coventry Sphinx.

Swifts were awarded a free kick in the 4th minute on the edge of the box after Sphinx keeper Keelan Fallows handled outside his area, and last season’s top scorer Lee Chilton stepped up to drive a fierce shot into the far corner to give his side an early lead. Chilton saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Callum Whiteside 13 minutes later, then a Jim Hanson cross picked out Chilton again, but the striker’s shot was too high. Sphinx skipper Louis Guest threatened with a dangerous free kick which flew just wide, but five minutes later, in the 35th minute, Drew Canavan’s left side corner was met by Aaron Birch who powered in a close range header to give the Swifts a two goal lead.

Five minutes before half time Dan Reka’s overhead kick fell to Birch five yards out, but his shot was well saved by Fallows at point blank range, and with a minute to go before the break Canavan, Chilton and Reka combined with the move of the match, but Chilton’s drive was just over the bar.

In the second half Coventry struggled to make an impression on Swifts’ new season back line, with skipper Jevons dominant and Ben Tilbury unflappable as he snuffed out any early threat, and he even found time to force a fine save from Fallows following a Matt Johnson corner. Sphinx passed up a golden chance to get back into the game when Jordan Hayward broke clear down the left , his pin point cross picked out Matt Shipman, but he shot weakly straight at Jamie Emery.

A thunderous 25 yarder from Matt Johnson flashed just wide in the 75th minute, then Chilton’s low cross was missed by both Birch and Luke Sidaway as it begged to be tapped in.

Sphinx substitute Antonio Cristafaro twice tested Emery late on as the visitors mounted a last gasp effort, and Jim Hanson did well to clear off the line at the death, but Swifts held firm to hang on to the lead their performance deserved.

SWIFTS: Emery, Binner, Jevons, Tilbury, Jim Hanson, Canavan, Birch, Johnson, Chilton, Sidaway, Reka. SUBS USED: McArdle, Bailey, Hylton