BAFA NATIONAL DIVISION SOUTH CONFERENCE

Oxford Saints suffered a heart-breaking blow to their play-off hopes with a 21-14 defeat at Swindon Storm.

Saints twice came back from behind thanks to touchdowns from James Walter and Ali Galbraith, but were beaten by a last-minute score from the hosts.

Swindon’s first touchdown came with the game just minutes old, stunning the visitors with their opening drive which went the length of the field.

Saints rallied in the second quarter and took the lead when Walter reeled in a Josh Randall pass and surged across the goal line, before adding the extra point.

Oxford looked good value for their 7-6 lead as the second half got under way.

But they went behind against the run of play when a long touchdown pass from Dan Thorne was successfully caught in the endzone to give Swindon a 13-7 lead.

Again Saints struck back when Galbraith caught a pinpoint pass to touchdown in the corner.

However, in the dying minutes, Swindon mounted one final drive, making up 50 yards through a series of plays before driving over, and adding the conversion with just 12 seconds remaining.

Saints now travel to unbeaten leaders Solent Thrashers on Saturday, knowing that defeat will all but end their slim play-off chances.