In truth, this was an unconvincing display for large parts against our Midland Football League Premier Division opponents, but credit must be given to the Swifts who worked well as a unit to contain Gary Hackett's side.

The Glassboys have been testing out a new formation in pre-season, going in with a three-man back-line and utilising wing-backs and it remains a 'work in progress' as the players adapt to it and the management seek to identify the players best suited to each specific role.

There was a place between the sticks for 16-year old keeper Joe Collingridge, who will be part of our youth and academy squads this season and it was a great experience for him to be involved in the first team environment.

Stourbridge opened the stronger and forged in-front with ten minutes gone. A ball forward through the right channel area by Josh Green was fastened onto by Brandon Hague as the hosts appealed in vain for offside. The young striker coolly shot home low past Tom Palmer in the Swifts goal.

We failed to build on their early advantage, however, as we struggled to really impose ourselves on the game and too often the midfield were bypassed with ordinary balls from back to front being dealt with comfortably by the home side.

Better play on 29 minutes saw Aaron Forde work a neat one-two with Ryan Rowe before getting away a shot that Palmer got safely behind. Five minutes later Rowe struck a free-kick from just outside the box past Palmer's left-hand upright before Swifts went close just before the break with ex-Glassboy Aaron Lloyd sending a first-time shot wide from the edge of the box.

There was a double change at the interval with Dan Preston replacing Pierpoint at the back and Darryl Westlake taking over from Gater in midfield, but Swifts continued to more than hold their own in the early part of the second period.

A double change on 61 minutes with Jordan Archer and Kayelden Brown replacing Rowe and Cooke brought more pace and mobility in advanced areas and the Glassboys slowly began to create more chances as they linked up well with Hague.

In the 63rd minute a right-wing corner by Bobby Moseley was met by Paul McCone and his header on goal was blocked by Sam Beasley before Brown flashed the rebound past the post. Ten minutes later Chris Knight fed a pass inside from the left into the feet of Archer, who turned and hit a low shot that Palmer saved well down low to his right. A minute later Palmer was called into action again. A low forward pass from Westlake ran through for Hague to break clear, but this time he was thwarted by the home stopper who spread himself to block Hague's low shot with his legs. In the 78th minute, a flick from Archer found Hague and he struck an early low shot wide from the edge of the box.

Palmer's saves carried even more weight soon afterwards as with around ten minutes remaining, the home side drew level. We were opened up down the right and Alex Perry managed to get in a low cross for sub Nick MacPherson to turn the ball home in the middle.

With the clock ticking down though, we regained the lead with three minutes to go. A forceful run by Brown took him past defenders into the Swifts box before squaring the ball across goal where we had men over. Although the centre was out of the reach of Archer, Josh Green was handily placed to collect and fire home the winning goal.

With the heavens now opening, the referee blew his whistle bang on the 90 minute mark to bring proceedings to an end.

NEXT UP - REDDITCH AT HOME THIS TUESDAY

This Tuesday we host Redditch United at the War Memorial Ground (kick-off 7-45 pm).

Don't forget for everybody aged 16 and over, admission is just a fiver! While juniors aged 15 and under will be admitted free of charge, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.

Jack Duggan is hoping to get some game-time in the second-half on Tuesday as he prepares to make his long awaited return from the shoulder injury sustained earlier this year.

A double-issue programme has been produced to cover the games against Blues under 23's and Redditch and will be on sale at the Club Shop and the Programme Hut by the bottom driveway turnstiles on Tuesday evening - price £2.

CLUB SHOP

Whilst it might not quite be the weather at the moment, we can advise that the club shop now has a small number of bobble hats back in stock, along with some more beanie hats (in black).

We also have some more Stourbridge FC/Black Country mugs available after selling out at the end of last season!