ROD Brown admit he’s looking to bolster his squad to ensure Stourport Swifts stay on their upward trajectory.

The callow back-up available to help the first team was exposed in Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss in the Worcestershire Senior Urn at Littletons.

With Chris Morrison, Jamie Willetts, Gary Walker and Jon Griffin missing, Brown was forced to field a host of his younger players.

“Our first team is excellent and a match for anyone in our league, but beyond that we’re not quite there. We’ve got a number of good young players we can call upon but they lack experience.

“Jon Griffin pulled out with an ankle injury just before the game and we were already missing several other first-teamers and it showed.”

Swifts are set to sign AFC Wulfrunians striker Tom Piggott today, and Brown admitted he is still searching for an older head who can play in defence or midfield.

Stourport also tasted defeat on Saturday when two late goals saw them edged out 2-1 at Wulfrunians, which ended their seven-match unbeaten streak.

Griffin had fired the Walshes Meadow side ahead, only for a scrappy leveller to change the direction of the match.

Brown said: “We were in total control and should have been winning by more.

“But Wulfrunians scored a scrappy goal which changed the momentum of the game.”

Swifts are hoping striker Lewis Pountney is near returning after a lengthy injury lay-off.

He was set to receive an injection this week and Brown is keeping his fingers crossed that the former Bewdley Town hitman will resume action in January.

“Lewis has been out for a while but I am hopeful he will be back in the new year,” added the manager.

Stourport will be aiming to get back on track in the Midland Alliance at Shepshed Dynamo on Saturday. (3pm ko).