STOURPORT Swifts have said a fond farewell to defender Jamie Willetts, who has joined Midlands Premier rivals Hereford this week.

The strapping centre back, who has been a rock for the Walshes Meadow outfit, has been one of Swifts’ key players during their excellent start to the season.

But he agreed to made the switch to the Edgar Street after being impressed by the Bulls set-up.

Stourport manager Mark Phillips said: “Jamie has been an absolutely brilliant player for us and we wish him the best of luck.”

Willetts bagged the winner as Swifts toughed out a rugged 1-0 win at Alvechurch in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday.

Alvechurch hit the woodwork on several occasions but Stourport held firm to book a trip to Lincolnshire side Holbeach on Saturday, September 12.

Phillips said: “Alvechurch are a good side and not many sides will go there and win. They hit the woodwork several times.

“On Monday we just ran out of legs, two games in three days is a lot.”

Swifts suffered their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss at Coleshill in the league.

Stourport go to Pegasus Juniors in the FA Vase on Saturday (3pm ko).