SWANAGE fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Sherborne Town Reserves, despite pushing hard for a second half equaliser.

Sherborne started the game strongly, missing an early chance through Alec Thomas, who failed to convert from close range.

But Thomas quickly made amends, heading in a cross at the far post to open the scoring in the 20th minute.

Swanage managed to keep the deficit at just one in the remainder of the half, as Sherborne continued to press.

The hosts had their own chances too, with Cody Moore coming close with a header over the bar, in what otherwise was a disjointed first half display from the Swans.

Swanage came out for the second period and were much improved, applying pressure to the visitors’ goal.

They created several chances, but Sherborne goalkeeper Louis Parker kept them at bay.

Parker was in fine form, with Brassington trying his luck from distance, but the keeper was equal to it.

Cohen Lee went close with after a good solo run, but his shot was well saved by Parker, who then thwarted Lewis Sullivan from close range, spurning a great chance for the hosts.

Swanage continued to commit players forward in search of the equaliser, and were almost caught on the break, with Ocean Smith heroically clearing off the line to keep the Swans in the game.

A frustrating afternoon for Swanage was capped off with one final chance, as Willcocks couldn’t connect with Cody Moore’s perfect ball into the box.

Sherborne held on for their first win of the season, despite a much-improved second half for Swanage.