Atherstone Town suffered another defeat as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Stourport Swifts on Saturday afternoon.

The Adders had the better of a wind affected first half but were unable to take the chances that they created.

The play off chasing visitors scored the games only goal in the second half to secure the three points.

Atherstone now move on to their final home game of the season on Tuesday night against Bewdley Town.

The momentum built during the early months of 2024 has died away in recent weeks for the Adders, but not for the want of trying. It has been a far cry from the away fixture at Stourport Swifts, which was Atherstones last league win at the start of March.

Saturdays reverse fixture was a similarly close game, with both sides making presentable openings without testing the goalkeeper. The high winds were a factor in the first half, as the Adders attempts at long balls holding up in the gusty conditions.

Nathan McGarrity and Lewis Collins gave the Stourport back line plenty to think about with their runs in behind, but would both miss good opportunities to break the deadlock. McGarrity went close first, lobbing an effort over the retreating keeper after a poor clearance which curled just wide of the far post.

Collins went closer still before the break as he got in behind, sat down the keeper before firing an effort over the bar when very well placed. The Atherstone faithful couldn’t quite believe they were not in front at the break, but would have been encouraged by their side’s performance to that point.

As has been the case in recent weeks, the second half proved to be more difficult. Stourport grew into the game and became more of a threat going the over way despite continued Atherstone pressure.

The visitors would take the lead at the midway point of the second half, finishing off a good move with a low shot past the debuting Jack Sandel. It was a familiar feeling for the Adders, as they were punished for being unable to take their chances.

Atherstone pushed all out to take something from the game late, throwing men forward at set pieces as the visitors had to stand up to the pressure. Jack Wells hit the bar with a flicked header and other deliveries were scrambled away.

The final whistle saw another game end in disappointment for the Adders, who will still be looking to end the season on a high in the last two games. Next up is the final home game of the season on Tuesday night against Bewdley Town.

This rollercoaster season will conclude away at AFC Wulfrunians on Saturday 13th. Be sure to get behind the lads for last games of this memorable season.