LYE Town lost out 1-0 to local rivals Stourport Swifts who snatched victory with a solitary Nick MacPherson goal which he slotted home just before half time.
The result enables Swifts to leapfrog ahead of Lye in the Total Motion Midland League Premier Division with the Stourbridge Road side currently left floundering in 14th place.
Goalkeeper Kieran Boucher kept Swifts striker R'Mar Murray at bay in the first half but rode his luck when Kirk Layton crashed a shot against the Lye crossbar.
Lye had their moments in attack and Swifts shotstopper Dominic Richards did well to repel a goalbound attempt from new Lye signing Geoff Hill.
The all important goal arrived on 44 minutes when Murray broke and set up MacPherson to slide home.
Lye had the better of second exchanges but Hill, Nick Turton and Lewis Worsey all squandered chances.
Lye will need a marked improvement this Saturday when they entertain top of the table and title favourites Ilkeston Town.
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