Pountney has the Swifts flying (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Pountney has the Swifts flying

8:00am Thursday 7th February 2013 in Local

STOURPORT Swifts returned to action this week with convincing wins over Continental Star and Ellesmere Rangers to cement second spot in the Midland Alliance.

Swifts boss Rod Brown admitted: “I didn’t quite know what to expect from the players after a lengthy lay-off, especially as the fitness levels had dropped, but I was pleasantly surprised.”

Lewis Pountney resumed his impressive form in front of goal, netting twice in the 3-1 win against Star with Kevin Spencer adding the other.

Pountney was also on target as Swifts disposed of rock-bottom Ellesmere 3-0, but not before he and the remainder of the team had been told a few home truths by boss Brown following a goalless first half.

“I had to point a few things out to them as they had fallen short of what I expect,” Brown said. “However, once we’d scored through a John Griffin penalty, it seemed to take the pressure off and we applied ourselves a bit more.”

Swifts still remain 13 points adrift of runaway leaders Stratford Town.

The Walshes Meadow boss said: “It’s there’s to win at the moment. “We have to put a run of results together to make sure we stay in the chasing pack.

“It’s imperative that we finish second, because the word is, there might be two sides going up this season.”

Swifts travel to Leicester-based side Kirby Muxloe on Saturday before hosting fellow challengers Boldmere St Michaels on Tuesday at Walshes Meadow.

Brown should have Ryan Mahon available from suspension for the Boldmere game, but has injury doubts over Spencer and Chris Seekings.

In addition, Brown is waiting to see whether he will have use of Stourbridge player Paul Lloyd, who played for Swifts on loan in the win over Continental Star.

Lloyd was back in the Stourbridge side who beat Birmingham City this week.

Brown said: “If Paul’s not in their starting line-up for Saturday, I will ask if I can use him again as he was outstanding for us.”