Swans started brightly, showing that they were more than capable of matching their hosts despite the tough conditions. The Swans created several early chances, with Cohen Lee firing just over the bar, and Ocean Smith missing a good opportunity, sending his shot over as well.

At the other end, Swans keeper Kadin Jacques made an important save to keep the scores level. Blandford’s Kempster missed a great chance to put the home side ahead, but it remained goalless. Swans kept up the pressure, and Blandford keeper Foden was called into action with a brilliant double save, denying both Moore and Lee in quick succession.

Swans continued to press for an opener, with Cohen Lee again coming close after a move created by Cody Moore and Ocean Smith. Just before half-time, Cody Moore found himself clean through on goal, only to be denied by another excellent save from Foden. Despite their best efforts, the teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.

Half-Time: Blandford United 0-0 Swanage

The deadlock was finally broken in the 52nd minute when Blandford's Mark Ford beat a defender and fired a low shot past Kadin Jacques, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.

Swans tried to respond, with Cohen Lee firing over from long range, but they couldn’t find the equaliser. Just three minutes later, Mark Ford struck again for Blandford, this time with another low shot that beat the Swanage keeper to double the home side's advantage.

Swans continued to fight and create chances, with Cohen Lee once again coming close, but his shot went just wide of the target. Despite their spirited and determined performance, the Swans were unable to find a way back into the game.

It was a spirited and determined performance from Swans against the high-flying Royals. The game was an entertaining encounter, with fine margins determining the result in very wet and difficult conditions. Swans created several chances and were unlucky not to come away with something from the match. However, Blandford's clinical finishing in the second half proved to be the difference

Swans Star Man - Stephen Pryor

Team: K.Jacques, C.Magnier, S.Clarke, C.Dyke, S.Pryor, C.Lee, Olly Smith (H.Brown 80), L.Sullivan, C.Moore, J. Reavenall-Nuete (O.Helas 75), Ocean Smith (J.Titley 70).
Subs: O.Helas, J.Titley, H.Brown, D.Payne, C.Butler