MANAGER-LESS Stourport Swifts fell at the first hurdle of the FA Trophy after conceding four goals in the opening quarter at Mangotsfield United.

The home side were in such control that Swifts could have been up against another MUFC rather than their Dr Martens Western Division rivals.

But caretaker manager Jan Mulders refused to be downcast after his side mounted a spirited comeback to eventually lose 4-2.

The veteran defender said: "I have a lot of faith in what we have got. We just need a few breaks and one or two players and we are not too far from turning the corner."

Mulders' faith would have been tested early on as Stourport buckled under United's onslaught, falling behind to Steve Campbell's sumptuous fourth minute chip.

The second came ten minutes later as the defence allowed a hopeful punt to reach Darren Edwards who raced through before tucking the ball past young keeper Steve Nicholson.

From that point, Swifts were out of it and although Mangotsfield added just two more, there were plenty of other chances that went begging.

David Elsey made it 3-0 from the penalty spot on 18 minutes after Mulders had handled with Dave Seal's tap-in three minutes later completing the rout for the West Country side.

But the visitors shuffled their pack minutes into the second half as the introduction of winger Richie Gardner and striker Ted Bayliss livened things up.

Bayliss was on hand to fire in from the edge of the area 16 minutes from time before an enterprising run from Gardner allowed John Shirley to drill home from 20 yards.

SWIFTS: Nicholson 8, Mulders 6, Ulfig 6, Laker 5 (Fletcher 51, 6), Nicholls 6, Shirley 6, MEDOU-OTYE 8, Marsh 7, Giddings 6, Edwards 5 (Baylis 68, 7), Stainer 5 (Gardner 51, 7). Subs not used: Wright, Sandhu.

STAR MAN: Parfait Medou-Otye.