RELEGATION-threatened South Normanton pulled themselves out of the bottom three on Saturday with this battling 2-1 win against off colour Stourport Swifts.

After three straight wins, Swifts had moved into the top 10 in the table for the first time this season, but a performance that lacked energy against a committed Normanton side in desperate need of points cost them dearly.

Following a goalless first half in which neither team managed to muster a shot of note on target, two goals in a minute eleven minutes into the second half put South Normanton firmly in the driving seat. South Normanton broke following a Canavan corner, and Kevin Hemagoe evaded the challenge of Matt Fulloway and crossed low for Eric Graves to prod in. In a repeat performance a minute later, Benje Robinson raced clear to set up Hemagoe, who turned sharply to fire past Richards from ten yards.

This at least provoked a Swifts response, and on the hour Mark Danks drilled in his 12th goal of the season after being teed up by Canavan. Swifts looked to have snatched a point late on, but Elliott Lees was judged to have fouled keeper Curtis Hall as the ball dropped into the net.

Swifts have no game this Saturday but are away at Coventry United on April 20.

Meanwhile, the club's under-18 side have reached the final of the Midland Floodlit Youth League Cup.

They will meet Premier Division South side Hereford at Edgar Street in the final this Thursday (7.45pm).