A magnificent all-round team performance from a makeshift side earned Swifts a crucial three points on Monday, to lift them four places up the table and put a halt to the downward slide of recent weeks.

The match wasn't pretty by any means, but Swifts tried to play the ball on the ground and create where possible, but few chances came for either side in the first half.

Chris Heasman and Terry Warwick battled well up front for Swifts, to establish a slim hold on the game.

Ten minutes after the interval Heasman latched onto a back pass that slipped away from the Walton goalkeeper to prod home the only goal of the match; not a classic strike but a vital one.

Walton came back as Swifts knew they would but the visitors defence held firm and Kingsley Banks was rarely threatened in the Swifts goal.

Warwick had the opportunity to round off a fine evening's work with a second Swifts' goal when sent clear with only the keeper to beat but the chance went begging.

Swifts were delighted at the end of a productive evening's work, due reward for plenty of hard work and great commitment by the side.

Heybridge Swifts: Banks, Fiddes, Wiles, Caton, Waters, Gillespie, Kreyling, Warwick, Taylor, Heasman and McClean. Substitutes: Parker, Bond and Streetley.

Swifts travel to Carshalton Athletic tomorrow (Saturday) for another crucial Ryman League encounter against a side deep in the relegation dog fight.

Another tough battle can be anticipated, with Swifts looking to patch up the walking wounded to have them ready, not only for tomorrow but a crucial period of six league games in three weeks.

Next Tuesday (March 21), Basingstoke are the visitors to Scraley Road for a league fixture (7.30 pm kick off).

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