HINTON U-12s 3 SWIFTS U-12s 1

Swifts travelled to Hereford last sunday to play the second of their play off fixtures, but were greeted with the sad news that the other play off game between Kington and Credenhill had been postponed due to the sudden death of the Credenhill manager's wife. As a mark of respect both teams observed a minutes silence before the game. When the match got under way it was Hinton who had the better of the early exchanges,as they pushed the Swifts defence back with some good attacking moves. Though Swifts were struggling to get their game together, they stung the home side with their first attack, when Powell picked up a long clearence, he slipped the ball on to Crichard who hit a thunderous strike passed the helpless keeper from 25 yards. Hinton came back stronger than ever and it was no surprise that after 11 mins they equalised with a well worked goal. Swifts midfield were finding it hard to stop the supply to the Hinton forwards, and on 17 mins were punished for some slack marking in the box, which allowed them to score with a simple tap in. Hinton were then nearly made to pay for some slack defending, when Crichard robbed the full back and crossed for Powell, but alas he mis hit his shot on goal. Swifts were then awarded a free kick on the 18 yard line when some thought it should have been a penalty, Park stepped up but his shot cannoned back ofthe wall. H-T 2-1. Hinton started the second half like a bull out of a gate, and added a third within the first minute, when the winger was allowed to run all the way into the box, he laid the ball back for yet another simple tap in. Swifts showed a lot of character from this set back, and led by their skipper Nelder showed more determination in taking the game to Hinton. Despite all the efforts put in Swifts could not get a clear strike on goal, but felt they should have had a penalty when Gregory was pushed in the back when he was about to head at goal. It was Hinton who were awarded a penalty 2 mins from time for a trip, but the player shot tamely well wide. Swifts have one game to go when they are scheduled to play Credenhill on sunday KO 2pm.