Merley Cobham Sports 4 Swans 1
Swans suffered a 4-1 away defeat to Merley Cobham Sports in The Dorset Premier League.
Merley Cobham Sports raced into a 2-0 lead in 18 minutes courtesy of a far post header from Jamie Moores and a penalty converted by Matt Groves. Swans gradually gained their composure and Jamie Johnston was denied when his header was superbly saved by the Sports stopper following a great cross from George Sparrow, who was making his first start of the season.
Just before the interval Swans were handed a lifeline when Sparrow was brought down in the box and Cameron Barnes (pictured above) converted the resulting penalty. H.T. 2-1.
The hosts started the half in determined mood and added their third through Nathan Saxby with a fierce shot that keeper James Langdon failed to keep out at his near post. Keeper Langdon rescued his side, producing 2 great saves to deny the opposition. Substitute Graeme Rose had a great chance to reduce the arrears but his header missed the target from close range. With 3 minutes remaining Nathan Saxby completed his brace and secured the points for the title contenders.
Team:451
J.Langdon
C.Young (G.Rose 61), A.Bartlett, P.Best, S.Dando.
C.Dyke, C.Barnes, J.Johnston, E.Parslow, G.Sparrow (J.Gregory 80).
A.Atkinson.
Subs:G.Rose, J.Gregory.
Swans Star Man - Andy Bartlett