SWIFTS boss Rod Brown has hailed the attitude of his younger players after the squad was decimated by a host of injuries and absences.

The Walshes Meadow outfit battled out a 2-2 draw against Dunkirk on Saturday but a severely depleted squad suffered a 3-0 loss to Westfields on Bank Holiday Monday.

Stourport have been rocked by senior pair Chris Morrison and Dan Parker saying they are unable to continue playing this season because of work commitments.

Goalkeeper Sam Hawker tore a muscle and with Lewis Solly already out with a back injury, centre back Jamie Willetts had volunteered to deputise in goal.

To make matters worse, rookie striker Luke Morris has been playing in midfield, while another youngster, Olie Long, had to start against Westfields despite only just returning from match fitness and lacking match sharpness.

“I have never seen anything like this before,” said the vastly experienced Brown.

“I think I must have broken a mirror because we’ve had so much bad fortune.

“Having two senior players like Chris and Dan pull out after the registration deadline has made things difficult.

“Losing Sam with Lewis already missing was another blow and the Midland Alliance were unable to give us special dispensation to bring someone in.

“Fair play to Jamie, who has played as a keeper when younger and he’s done very well.

“Paul Hurrell also picked up an injury against Dunkirk and missed Monday, which was a game too many for us.

“Before that we had done well and I was very pleased with the effort.”

Hawker did return for Monday’s defeat to Westfields but was unable to kick the ball. He will miss tonight’s home game against Loughborough University, with Willetts returning between the posts.

Brown is expecting to have Hurrell back and has called in a favour to bring back Kyon Evans, with Leon Kandikore set to play in Saturday’s final match of the season against Highgate United (3pm ko).

Brown added: “I believe we’ve got a very good group of players here and we’ve lost just four games in 19.

“Once the season is out of the way we can then try and strengthen.

“I’ve already got a few players in mind.”