Hanley Swan 3, Cheltenham Saracens 1.

HANLEY Swan returned to winning ways with a good home triumph over Cheltenham Saracens.

From the start of this Cheltenham League Division Three clash, Saracens looked sharp, particularly down the left with the pace of their striker, but he was well marshalled by Hanley defenders Chris Bunn and James Rimell.

Both teams had chances in the first-half, which they failed to capitalise on, so it was all-square at the interval.

Saracens opened the scoring early in the second period when the hosts lost possession, allowing the influential visiting striker to slot home from close range.

The hosts’ response was immediate when Andy Rogers, put clear down the left, beat a defender and smashed the ball into the net from the side of the 18-yard box.

Hanley now started to impose themselves with Adam Webb having a good game in midfield, breaking up the Saracens play.

Another Hanley attack, again down the left, saw the battling James Beale brought down just outside the box.

A free-kick from Matt Atkinson beat both the Saracens defenders and goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Swan sealed the three points when Rogers chased what appeared to be a lost cause but he managed to keep the ball in play and cross for Webb to tap in from close range.

Hanley’s next league game is away to Charlton Rovers Reserves tomorrow (ko 3pm).