SPIRITED Stourport Swifts were edged out 2-1 at promotion-chasing Mangotsfield United in Southern League Division One West.

Despite taking a diminished squad due to illness, injuries and holidays, Swifts battled well against a heavy pitch, driving rain and gale-force winds.

Although Mangotsfield dominated the first-half they were unable to break the deadlock untill the third added minute of injury-time.

New signing Michael Meaker sent a loose ball across goal, allowing Shane Hobbs to score from close range.

Stourport's best opportunity came when Paul Lloyd hit a fierce free-kick straight at 'keeper Danny Greaves.

But they equalised after just three minutes of the restart as captain Jay Powell headed a corner back and Mark Crisp volleyed home from eight yards.

But the score did not stay level for long as in the 55th minute Robbie Claridge scored the winner, his 13th goal of the season, with a looping shot.

Swifts: O'Malley 6, M Jones 5, Green 6, *A Jones 8, Powell 7, Webb 7, Lloyd 6, Tilley 7 (Titterton 78), Crisp 6, Bragoli 7, Checketts 6 (Willetts 61, 6). Sub not used: Parker.

Attendance: 354.