STOURPORT Swifts boss Rod Brown was full of praise for his young guns this week despite their 2-1 defeat to Rocester in the Midlands Premier Division, writes Nick Pullen.

Busy Brown has been forced to put his faith in the kids following the recent departure of several key players including prolific strike partners John Griffin and Lewis Pountney.

Brown insisted: “I was really proud of the lads because this was a game we didn’t deserve to lose.

“Admittedly we conceded two sloppy goals, but the goal Ben Maund pulled back was absolutely brilliant. We must have strung six or seven passes together before scoring - it was like watching Barcelona!

“We also had a perfectly good goal ruled out. A shot from Jamie Willetts clearly went over the line, but wasn’t given. Even the Rocester defender who cleared the ball admitted it was a goal.

“But I couldn’t fault the attitude and work ethic of the players. The young lads gave us legs which was really refreshing to see. Don’t get me wrong. On their day, Lewis Pountney and John Griffin are two of the best strikers you could have at this level, but it just wasn’t happening for them.

“I was also missing Michael Briscoe at the back, but Paul Hurrell came in and was magnificent, while Ash Smith and Jake Hickman did really well playing wide. If we hadn’t lost a few players recently, these lads probably wouldn’t have got a chance. Now they have an opportunity to show what they can do.”

Swifts midweek clash with AFC Wulfrunians was called off owing to a waterlogged Walshes Meadow.

They hope for better luck this Saturday when travelling to next-to-bottom side Tipton Town and then visit third from bottom Heath Hayes the following Tuesday.

Brown should have new signing Lee Downes available in midfield following his capture from Chasetown.