SWANAGE Town and Herston FC fell to two second half goals in a spirited performance against high-flying Blandford United Royals.

Two goals in the second half were enough for the hosts to take the points, with Swanage left to rue missed chances.

Swans started brightly and matched the hosts in tough conditions, creating early chances through Cohen Lee and Ocean Smith.

The visitors’ keeper Kadin Jacques made an important save to keep the scores level, and Blandford’s Kempster missed a good chance to put the home side ahead.

Cody Moore and Lee were then denied in quick succession by a fantastic double save from keeper Foden.

Moore was denied again shortly before half time, after being put through on goal, with an excellent Foden save keeping the score at 0-0 heading into the break.

The deadlock was broken by the hosts seven minutes after the resumption, with Mark Ford beating a defender and firing a low shot past Jacques.

Swans tried to respond with Lee firing over from long range, but they were unable to find the equaliser.

Just three minutes later, Ford struck again for Blandford, with another low shot beating Jacques to double the host’s lead.

Swanage continued to fight to create chances, with Lee once again coming close with a shot that went just wide of the target.

Despite a spirited and determined performance, Swanage were unable to find their way back into the game and it ended 2-0 to Blandford United.

The game was an entertaining encounter in very wet and difficult conditions, with fine margins the difference at the end of the 90 minutes.

Swanage created several chances and were unlucky to not come away with something from the game, but they were unable to convert, with Blandford’s clinical finishing the difference in the second half.