STOURPORT Swifts suffered their first league defeat of the season in front of 689 fans at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Bromsgrove won the Division One title unbeaten last season and their confidence was clear with a strong start that saw them take the lead after 14 minutes when livewire striker Danico Johnson turned in the box and squeezed his left foot shot past Dominic Richards in off the post.

Swifts went close from Matt Fulloway’s header from Perry’s corner, Jim Hanson’s goalbound shot was deflected wide, and Perry shot straight at Sporting keeper Reece Francis from ten yards out.

In a frantic first half, Bromsgrove responded when San Wills broke through the Swifts defence but Richards saved well with his feet, and Swifts had a lucky let off after 33 minutes when Johnson’s shot was deflected against the bar, and Gregory headed the rebound over from close range.

Stourport drew level just before half time when MacPherson found Aaron Lloyd at the far post, who cut inside and fired low past Francis to score.

Bromsgrove always looked the sharper side after the interval, and went ahead when Liam Spink robbed Matt Fulloway and crossed low for Richard Gregory to drive in from close range. Richards tipped over a fierce drive from sub Joe Ward, and Johnson somehow shot over from six yards out with the goal at his mercy.

Nick MacPherson shot narrowly wide in Swifts best attempt of the second half, but Gregory popped up again in the last minute to make it 3-1.

Swifts will go to Rocester this Saturday.