TROUBLED Stourport Swifts boss Tim Langford is trying to pick up the pieces after two Bank Holiday defeats and the loss of his captain.

Swifts deserved much more from a 3-0 home Dr Martens Western Division beating by Weston-super-Mare on Saturday but then pressed the self-destruct button two days later.

Already without Asa Charlton who was snapped up by Worcester City late last week, Swifts collapsed 5-0 at arch rivals Redditch United.

Langford must lift his troops for a potential money-spinning run, starting with Saturday's big FA Cup preliminary round tie against Alfreton Town at Walshes Meadow.

He must make do without midfielders Simon Marsh and Jamie Stainer, who are both on wedding duty, against the ambitious Unibond Division One club.

But new signing Ian Bennett, an experienced striker snapped up from Sutton Coldfield Town, will try to open his account in his third game for Swifts.

Langford admitted: "After our display against Weston going into Monday, I thought we had nearly turned the corner.

"But it went sharply into reverse and back the other way.

"It's now about how we respond come Saturday and that game is an opportunity for the club to get some prize money so it's a big one off the pitch as well as on it.

"It's our job to pick the players up and install some belief into the squad. Alfreton will take some breaking down."

Langford hopes defender Dave Davies, his new skipper, will be fit after a clash with old team-mate Lee Booth on Monday left him with a sore neck and jaw.

He has signed a new back-up keeper in former Bilston Town man Steve Nicholson after Adie Hipkins became frustrated with his lack of opportunities.

But Langford will have to make do without Charlton who was a favourite after joining Swifts last year.

He added: "Asa was offered a contract in the summer but when Worcester came in, it was still there for him to sign.

"We didn't feel we could stand in his way but it's a big blow for us.

"We could have doubled his money and it wouldn't have made any difference because he wanted to play at a higher level and I think he can.

"We have signed Ian Bennett to see if we can get a bit of a spark up-front. If he can get a goal or two, his confidence will grow and he can be a handful.

"He looks a neat and tidy player and gets himself into good goal-scoring positions. He's still probably trying to adapt to the way we play."