STOURPORT keeper Craig Ladek was again the star of the show as Swifts crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Hemel Hempstead Town.

Had it not been for a number of good saves from the former Bromsgrove stopper then the scoreline could have been far worse for Dave Titterton's side.

As it was, it needed two goals in the final seven minutes to hand victory to the home team.

Ladek kept out an early effort from Steve Hale and then dived full length to deny Anthony Thomas.

Poor finishing also cost Hemel an easier evening with Thomas missing the target on a number of occasions before the interval as Swifts were pinned back.

The breakthrough finally came with seven minutes to go. Substitute Grant Carney found himself unmarked just inside the area and volleyed the ball past the Stourport keeper.

Any hopes Stourport had of taking anything from the game ended in injury time when Dan Rose picked out the excellent Fabio Valenti who cut inside his marker to fire home despite the efforts of Ladek who could not quite stop the ball from crossing the line.

Swifts are without a game this weekend following their exit from the FA Cup.

Stourport's youth team registered an impressive 3-0 victory at Bromyard Town last Wednesday with goals from Shane Wade, Bryn Teeling and a Sam Woodhall penalty.

On Monday night, Bishops Cleeve visited Walshes Meadow and inflicted a 4-3 defeat on the Swifts youngsters.

Two more goals from Wade and a strike from Scott Finnigan were not enough to stop a first defeat despite a battling performance.

Swifts youngsters visit Cinderford on Monday.