STOURPORT Swifts got their Midland League campaign up and running with a pair of conclusive victories last this week.

Swifts secured a 3-0 win over AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday, August 16, thanks to a brace of goals from Andy Hudson while Reece Shilvock converted from the penalty spot.

Then Swifts followed that up on Tuesday with an equally emphatic 3-1 verdict over last season’s West Midlands League champions Shawbury United.

All the goals arrived in the second half, Joe Phillips firing Swifts in front with further goals from Reece Shilvock and James Hill put them further ahead before Shawbury netted a late consolation.

Manager Mark Phillips said: “We started really well against Shawbury and missed a couple of chances that really should have gone in.

“I had to bring in a new goalkeeper and central defender this season after Dom Richards and Ryan Woolacott left to join Aberystwyth Town in the Welsh Premier League.

“I brought in (keeper) Mark Malanaphy, who was previously with me at West Hagley before going off to university.

“I’ve also added Bewdley Town’s Will Ward and Ben Priest, who was previously with Scottish side Dundee, but is from Kidderminster.

“It’s taken a little time, but now they’ve settled down and started getting an understanding going, which may have accounted for the earlier 5-1 defeat to Long Eaton”.

Phillips has also been boosted by the quicker than expected return of Paul Hurrell’s return.

The Swifts boss added: “I knew I was going to lose him at the start of the season through work commitments, but he was back on the bench against Shawbury.”

Swifts host Leicestershire side Quorn on Saturday and are then welcome Westfields on Bank Holiday Monday, when they will be looking to avenge their recent FA Cup exit.