Halesowen’s British Gas Premier play-off hopes were dented after a slender defeat allowed rivals Swindon to narrow the gap in the race for fifth place.

The Yeltz handed out three more full debuts but Swindon forced two early corners in an otherwise slow start to the afternoon at Hunts Copse in a game hampered by the swirling wind.

Graham Deakin struck just wide for Halesowen from 25 yards in the 17th minute in an impressive start to his Halesowen career.

Goalkeeper Matt Bulman then twice came to Marine’s rescue by saving Aaron Cornwall’s angled shot in the 31st minute and he repeated the save at his near post to deny another new boy, Aaron Griffiths, a minute later.

But imposing striker Alan Griffin claimed Swindon’s solitary winning goal in the 34th minute by superbly heading home Nick Stanley’s deep cross.

Before the break, Halesowen had a penalty appeal turned down after claiming the ball had struck Leigh Henry’s hand.

At the start of the second half, Cornwall’s cross just evaded Paul O’Brien and Deakin beat several defenders in an excellent 53rd minute run to earn a corner.

Jay Denny then forced a full length save from Bulman two minutes later.

At the other end, Griffin got the better of Dennis Pearce to cross along the goal-line but the visiting defence somehow cleared for a corner.

Late on, Griffin and Mark Draycott rifled shots just over the Halesowen bar as Swindon completed the double over Yeltz.

Swindon Supermarine: Bulman; Boateng, Allen, McKay, Henry, Morris, Harris, Horgan, Griffin, Draycott, N Stanley.

Unused Subs: Hopper, Howell, Edenborough, A. Stanley, Thompson.

Halesowen: Bussey; Loney (Taylor 85), Allward (Brown 90), Clarke, Pearce, Deakin, Denny, O’Brien, Williams (Johnson 56), Cornwall, Griffiths.

Unused Subs: Thomas, Choi.

Referee: G. Muge (Bedfordshire)

Attendance: 238