STOURPORT Swifts paid the price for a poor first half show against Shephed Dynamo when suffering a 2-1 defeat at Walshes Meadow this week.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Swifts boss Mark Phillips changed his formation during the interval by switching to a 4-4-2 system, bringing on Under-21 wideman Andy Hudson in the process, which made a big difference.

Jack Bailey pulled a goal back for Swifts and Phillips insisted: "We should have scored more and definitely deserved to get something out of the game.

"I didn't think we played well in the first half when we were far too loose and stood off too often.

"But we were the better side in the second half, got one goal back, but couldn't get another one.

"Shepshed are a strong side with a couple of good strikers and are going well at the moment. It seems to be the story of our season at the moment that we always seem to face sides who doing well.

"However, I was quite encouraged because we've played very well against some of the top sides, losing 1-0 to Alvechurch and 2-0 against Heanor Town, when we deserved to have got something from those games as well.

"It certainly seemed to work having two players up front as it gave the midfield more options, although we were chasing the game at the time."

Life doesn't get any easier for Swifts who make the short trip to Lye Town this Saturday for a Midland Premier League local derby.

Swifts are also back in action again on Tuesday when they entertain title chasing Alvechurch.

Paul Hurrell misses the match with Lye through suspension, while striker James Hill has recovered from injury and is likely to be on the bench.