STOURPORT Swifts suffered another Midland League setback when they slipped up with a 2-0 reverse at second-placed Heanor Town.

Generous Swifts gift-wrapped Heanor both their goals.

They fell behind after just three minutes following a dreadful misunderstanding between full back Harry Beaumont and goalkeeper Dom Richards, which resulted with Heanor’s Jay Cooper nipping in unopposed to score.

Swifts fell further adrift soon after when Richards failed to hold Jamie Clarke's near post looping header following a corner.

Credit to Swifts who tried to repair the damage, Ben Maund blasting a good chance wide before the break while Joe Phillips and substitute Jack Rogers shot wide of the mark in the second half.

But Swifts boss Mark Phillips was full of praise for his players and insisted: “I thought we were the better side. After we went 2-0 down so early on, I thought we might be in real trouble but that wasn’t the case. We put our foot on the ball and started playing some really good football.

“Almost all of the second half was played in Heanor’s half of the pitch and we created numerous chances, but Heanor always seemed to get a late boot or a block in before we could capitalise."

“Even Heanor themselves said we should have got at least a draw out of the game.

“You could say we lacked a bit of a cutting edge in front of goal, but the ball just wouldn’t go in for us. However, I was really pleased by the way everyone responded after going 2-0 down.”

Life doesn’t get any easier for Swifts, who visit title-chasing Alvechurch this Saturday.

To make matters more challenging, Phillips has injury worries with both James Hill and Reece Shilvock major doubts.