Swifts began their pre-season friendlies earlier than usual, but a prestigious friendly against Charlton proved too good an opportunity and a mixture of regulars, new boys and triallists gave a good account of themselves. The Swifts pitch and stadium were also in fine fettle thanks to the hard work of many volunteers over the summer.
With skipper Mike Shinn battling hard, Swifts dominated early on, and Stafford Browne put the home side in front on 11 minutes with a sweet first time effort that curled into the goal from Russell Pond’s good ball in. Brown then fed Sean Marks but his effort was blocked.
The tricky James Walker then earned a free kick that was well blocked by Phil Goodwin. Charlton started to dominate possession, with Josh Wright beginning to boss midfield, though Swifts looked the more likely to score, and Danny Brown could have done with a header just high from Danny Barber’s corner. At the other end Stephen Northwood blocked well from Wagstaff as Charlton threatened, but Swifts went 2-0 ahead with a super 25 yard strike from Michael Batt just before the interval.
Numerous substitutions disrupted Swifts after the break, but Joe Woolley reacted sharply to turn a Shinn free kick over the bar before Charlton got back into the game, Walker scoring from the spot after Brown conceded a penalty. Nathan Munson then saved well from a free kick but Harry Arter reacted quickest to equalise for Charlton. The visitors took the lead just before the end from another Walker spot kick after a somewhat harsh penalty award.
A good run out for both sides, plenty of strong tackles and good football to please a crowd basking in the summer sun.
Comments
With skipper Mike Shinn battling hard, Swifts dominated early on, and Stafford Browne put the home side in front on 11 minutes with a sweet first time effort that curled into the goal from Russell Pond’s good ball in. Brown then fed Sean Marks but his effort was blocked.
The tricky James Walker then earned a free kick that was well blocked by Phil Goodwin. Charlton started to dominate possession, with Josh Wright beginning to boss midfield, though Swifts looked the more likely to score, and Danny Brown could have done with a header just high from Danny Barber’s corner. At the other end Stephen Northwood blocked well from Wagstaff as Charlton threatened, but Swifts went 2-0 ahead with a super 25 yard strike from Michael Batt just before the interval.
Numerous substitutions disrupted Swifts after the break, but Joe Woolley reacted sharply to turn a Shinn free kick over the bar before Charlton got back into the game, Walker scoring from the spot after Brown conceded a penalty. Nathan Munson then saved well from a free kick but Harry Arter reacted quickest to equalise for Charlton. The visitors took the lead just before the end from another Walker spot kick after a somewhat harsh penalty award.
A good run out for both sides, plenty of strong tackles and good football to please a crowd basking in the summer sun.