SWIFTS 1, BROMSGROVE 2

SWIFTS old boy Peter Sutton had a point to prove after an unhappy spell at Walshes Meadow last season and the former Redditch United ace undid the hosts with a lively first half performance on Tuesday night.

The home fans might be more used to the more subdued performance the striker put in after the break but Sutton's inviting crosses to Mark Benbow in the 18th and 33rd minutes were ultimately enough to bag three points.

Rovers winger Marcus Jackson was the most impressive player on display with a series of mazy runs, dangerous crosses and potshots.

Swifts reduced the deficit with a bizarre 53rd minute strike from Mark Jones.

The midfielder sent his free kick over the four-man wall from 20 yards but seemingly straight down Rovers keeper Paul Wyatt's throat - only for the imposing shot-stopper to duck under it as it went in off the underside of the bar.

Wyatt redeemed himself three minutes from time when he flung himself across goal to deny Swifts sub Robert Taylor as Dave Titterton's side almost claimed an equaliser.

But Lee Evans was the busier of the two keepers, brilliantly denying Steve Frost in the 27th minute and Mark Atkinson in the 78th minute.

Benbow had two good chances to banish any nerves in the closing stages but his inability to notch his hat-trick meant for a nervy finish as James Wood blazed over in injury time.

SWIFTS: EVANS 8, Cotterill 6, Ulfig 6, Jones 6, Davies 5, Harris 5 (Dunn 69, 5), Hyde 5 (Taylor 74, 7), Sayer 6, Ball 6, Wood 5, Webb 5 (Steve Hawkes 89, 5). Sub not used: Kilgour.

STAR MAN: Lee Evans

ATTENDANCE: 232