MANAGER Keith Wilson was full of praise for his ten-man Heybridge Swifts side that battled to a 2-1 victory at Needham Market.

The visitors fought back from 1-0 down to take a Ryman League division one north victory against the odds on Tuesday night and Wilson singled out keeper Danny Sambridge as he kept out a determined home attack.

The match was delayed for half an hour as the Swifts players were caught in traffic, with only four at the ground by 7.15pm.

And a back-heeled goal from Sam Newson saw the home side take the lead on 30 minutes.

But Neil Richmond equalised on 45 minutes and Billy Hunt added a second in the third minute of first-half injury-time.

Swifts were then reduced to ten men when Liam Springett was given a straight red card for a tackle on 58 minutes.

Wilson said: “It was backs to the wall defending.

“For the first 15 minutes we did well, then it was all Needham and they took the lead.

“We then got the two goals and Liam was harshly sent off.

“The team, every one of them, then defended superbly but special praise has to go to Danny (Sambridge) who pulled off some great saves in the first half to keep us in it and then again in the second.

“It was a fantastic night and the dressing room is a good place to be at the moment.”

Swifts are without a game at the weekend and Wilson thinks that may be a blessing in disguise.

He said: “We’ve a few niggles so it might be good not to have a match, so some of the players can get over them.”