ANOTHER trophy eluded Stourport Swifts as they were dumped out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup 3-0 at the first-round stage on Tuesday by Halesowen Town.

New boss Dave Titterton's first home match was always going to be testing against Dr Martens Premier Division opposition who were promoted last season.

And the gap between the divisions was exposed as Halesowen cruised to victory to set up a tie with Worcester City in the next round.

Swifts started brightly in terrible weather with El Hadj Malick Sall, making his full debut, bursting through on only three minutes but striking wide.

Kerry Giddings was also opening up the visitors' defence but his team-mates failed to get on the end of his dangerous crosses from the right.

Halesowen danger-man Kirk Master twice wasted chances, toe-poking straight at keeper Steve Nicholson and then firing over the bar.

But the club from the higher level produced the opening goal on 31 minutes when Les Hines' cross was headed on by Rob Elmes for Jason Ashby to touch home after Nicholson failed to gather.

Giddings drove wide for Swifts at the start of the second half but Swifts were given a let-off when Ashby missed from close range on 58 minutes.

However, Halesowen increased their lead three minutes later when Kelvin Phillips turned home Richard Leadbeater's nod-down.

Though Ed Bayliss found the side-netting on 65 minutes, Halesowen found the decisive third goal on 73 minutes.

Former Kidderminster Harriers man Hines crossed for Master to finish off Swifts from 15 yards.

Stourport, up against another ex-Harrier in keeper Tim Clarke, failed to score for the sixth time this season as Giddings missed a late chance after another Sall break-away.

SWIFTS: Nicholson, Kilgour (Laker 66), Ulfig, Mulders, Medou-Otye, Nicholls, Giddings, Fletcher, Stainer, Bayliss, Sall. Subs: Clarke, Vilocy, Beard.

ATTENDANCE: 98.