Richin strikes but the Swans lose out

CONOR Richin scored five minutes from the end for Stapenhill to set up a frantic finish in this Midland Division One clash away against Atherstone Town.

That goal made it 2-1 to Atherstone in the top-of-thetable encounter but Josh Beeson’s strike in the fifth minute of added time wrapped up the three points for the home side.

The Swans started well on a heavy pitch which had survived a late pitch inspection.

A teasing cross from Lewis Campbell was deflected behind for a corner and then Richins found Zaki Evans, whose header dropped inches wide.

Harry Lansdowne whipped in a cross which Evans glanced off target, the latter then drawing a good save from Atherstone keeper Carl O’neill.

In the 19th minute, another inviting centre from Lansdowne was put wide by Evans and, two minutes later, against the run of play, Town scored.

Alex Naughton crossed from the right and Joe Obi reacted first to slam the ball past Swans keeper Paul Hollis.

Stapenhill tried to hit back, with a dipping cross-shot from Campbell pushed over the bar.

Five minutes into the second half, a low cross from Swans winger Hayden Brown flew across the six-yard box without anyone getting a touch.

Town went straight down the other end and doubled their advantage, Mitch Piggon stabbing home a Naughton corner.

It was almost 3-0 but Hollis kept out Naughton’s effort.

The Swans kept going, Ash Garner seeing his header fly narrowly over the bar.

Richins hit the post before heading home to make it 2-1 in the closing stages.

In added time, an under-hit back pass by Matt Roome was pounced on by Beeson, who made no mistake from close range.