A THRILLING game at Silver Leys on Saturday saw Bishop's Stortford Swifts begin their pre-season warm-up with a 4-3 win over Milton Keynes City.

The visitors, of the South Midlands League premier division, were in good form having lost just 1-0 to Rushden & Diamonds the previous week.

But it was Swifts who were quickest off the mark as striker Ian Hollamby smacked in an early brace of goals to put Swifts 2-0 up. Another from Steve Cuxford left the home side 3-2 up at half time.

Hollamby completed his hat-trick with a penalty just after the break. The second half ebbed and flowed with both sides playing some excellent football.

The visitors pulled one back to set up a nail-biting finish but Swifts held on to win.

This was the first of four pre-season games against senior opposition for Swifts, who will compete in the Essex Intermediate League next season.

This Saturday they entertain near-neighbours Stansted of the Essex Senior League.