Stourport Swifts came away empty-handed as they lost 2-0 at home to Halesowen Town in the Dr Martens Western Division last night.

But there were enough plus points to put a smile on manager Dave Titterton's face.

Goals either side of half-time from Mark Hallam and Jason Ashby wrapped up the points for the Yeltz but Swifts should have been off the mark before then.

In the opening six minutes a Jan Mulders header was clea-red off the line by Richard Colwell and Richard Ball scuffed his shot wide with just 'keeper Mark Gayle to beat.

The remainder of the first half belonged to the visitors and Hallam netted on 24 minutes following a good run into the box by Simon Hollis.

Darren Grocutt headed over when well placed for the visitors early in the second period but Halesowen extended their lead on 54 minutes when Ashby diverted a Hollis corner into the net with a glancing header at the near post.

This spurred on Swifts and John Shirley and John Cotterill began carving through the visitors' midfield.

The duo had half chances to lift Swifts back into the match before the arrival of substitute Anthony Robinson put Halesowen on the back foot.

With 15 minutes to go, the ex-Kidderminster trainee was sent sprawling in the box by Swifts old boy Asa Charlton. Robinson took the spot kick himself but hit the foot of the upright.

The closing stages saw Robinson send Ball clear only to shoot against the 'keeper's legs. Gayle also denied Robinson in the final minute.

Swifts: Evans 7, Jones 6, Ulfig 5, Newall 6, Mulders 6, Harris 6 (Webb 77), Cotterill 7, Sayer 6 (SHIRLEY 39, 8), Ball 6, Wood 5 (Robinson 64, 7), Giddings 5. Subs (not used): Hawkes, Wright.

Attendance: 373.