FOOTBALL: Stourport Swifts' injury-hit side bowed out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup with a brave display against Southern League Premier Division high-fliers Halesowen Town.
Swifts' only real effort in the first-half was a Daniel Mason free-kick that Chris Taylor saved, while Aaron O'Malley denied Richard Burgess at the other end.
The second-half started with Taylor's attempted clearance going straight to Mark Atkinson but the 'keeper recovered to save the striker's shot.
And Halesowen took the lead in the 48th minute when Simon Forsdick fired home from close range.
Stourport struggled to create chances but Craig Webb's move into midfield inspired a storming finish.
With four minutes left, Swifts had an effort ruled out for offside when Andy Checketts' cross was fired goal-bound by Mason and tapped in by Atkinson.
The luckless Mason saw a thunderous last-minute shot hit the post.
But it was an encouraging performance and Stourport will hope for a change of luck when they face Sutton Coldfield in the FA Trophy on Saturday.
Swifts: O'Malley 6, M Jones 5, Shirley 6, Webb 8, A Jones 9, Lloyd 6 (Hayward 62, Titterton 71), Checketts 6, Sayer 7, Giddings 6 (Hawkes 62, 6), Atkinson 5, Mason 8. Subs not used: Gittings, Crisp.
Attendance: 157.
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