STOURPORT Swifts boss Dave Titterton is challenging his Southern League Division One West troops to bring some festive cheer to Walshes Meadow by toppling the league-leaders.

Swifts play host to Evesham on Monday (December 27) with their local rivals sitting pretty at the top of the table.

And Titterton believes there is not a massive difference in quality between the teams despite Swifts recent tumble down the league.

"I don't think there's that much of a gap between any of the teams at this level and the main difference is the size of the squads.

"We normally get a few more people through the doors for games near Christmas and it doesn't clash with Harriers so we're hoping for a decent crowd.

"Although we haven't played Evesham yet this season, I've seen them and I know they are a strong organised outfit.

"But so are we and if we are on our game, we've nothing to fear from them."

With half a dozen regulars still sidelined by injury, including Bryan Small, Ronnie Sayer, John Shirley and John Hayward, Swifts enter the Christmas programme down to the bare bones.

"We've still got a lot of injuries to be fair and it's something I'm trying to rectify by bringing a couple of people in," added Titterton.

"We're down to a squad of about 15 at the moment so we do need more bodies but we'll have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, Swifts will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Brackley Town.

A 57th minute header from a free kick was enough to give the hosts victory on a surface that did not suit Swifts style of play.

Duncan Willetts threatened throughout for Stourport and Craig Webb and Andy Jones came close late on.

But it was Brackley who enjoyed the best chances with Simon Dunlop hitting a post and Neil Crosby spurning a couple of opportunities.