MANAGER Neil Hunt is giving youth a chance in a bid to strengthen Swifts for the BGB Southern League Midlands Division One next season.

The former Malvern Town boss has opted to bring in young players instead of spending his budget on older already established stars at this level.

So far Hunt, who has successfully guided Stourport away from the relegation zone since joining in December, has brought in the likes of Shane Gill, 19, and Will Gayton, 18, who have made an impact over the last few games.

"I don't see the point in signing expensive players at this point in the season because we're not going anywhere," commented Hunt.

"When I joined my main aim was to keep us up and now I have achieved that I am planning for next season.

"I am looking at younger players to see if they have what it takes to play at this level.

"I don't care where we finish in the table but I am making my plans for next season."

Swifts made it four games unbeaten in the league by beating bottom side Berkhamstead 1-0 in Saturday.

Striker Richard Burgess bagged the winner in the 33rd minute when he met Andy Smith's cross to plant a glancing header past Jake Palmer in the Town goal.

Richard Tomkins produced a tireless display in midfield and almost capped his performance with a goal.

Striker Shane Gill also squandered a good chance to add to Stourport's lead. while Berkhamsted's best effort of the opening period fell to Ben Butler, but his long-range effort was well saved by Chris Jay.

Both sides had chances to score in the second half, with Palmer saving well from Stourport defender Smith before Jay pulled off another good save to keep out a Butler strike.

Hunt said: "It was a tight game and a scrappy one but we deserved to win.

"Our defending has improved and that means we'll always be in with a chance during a tight game."

n Swifts, who have a free weekend in the league, have arranged a friendly at home to Midland Combination side University of Birmingham at Walshes Meadow on Monday night (7.30pm kick-off).

The club is holding a race night on Saturday, March 22, to raise money for Steve Frost, who broke his leg last month (6.30pm start).

The evening starts a 6.30pm.

Swifts: Jay 7, SMITH 8, Tomkins 7, McComisky 6, Wood 6, Robinson 6, Colwell 7, C Williams 6 (D Williams 78), Burgess 7 (Roberts 75), Gill 7, Gayton 7 (Jukes 80). Subs (not used): Willetts, Lavery.