THE Midland Alliance title race has swung into Stourport Swifts' favour as they chase two wins to reach the Dr Martens League.

Swifts visit Bloxwich tonight and entertain Oadby on Monday (both 7.45pm) with six points the target.

Fellow challengers Barwell and leaders Rushall drew 1-1 on Tuesday night, six days after the Leicestershire club had slipped up with a 2-2 draw at Stafford.

Barwell, level on points with Swifts, visit Wednesfield tonight for their final game, while Rushall, one point ahead with better goal difference, play Halesowen Harriers away on Saturday.

Stourport assistant manager Gary Whild said: "It was the ideal result and it's up to us now. I was at Barwell with my fingers and toes crossed trying to appear neutral.

"If we can win tonight, Rushall will go into Saturday's game knowing they must win to even stand a chance."

Swifts are without the versatile Ross Knight for tonight's game but Rod Brown's men face a mid-table side with supposedly little to play for.

They are hoping to avoid the nerves that have so far been virtually non-existent.

Whild admitted: "We are looking to win a league and teams are coming with nothing more to play for.

"If we cannot win it from that situation, then we don't deserve to win it really. We have got ourselves into a marvellous position since Christmas and it is up to us to finish it off.

"I was reading an article about Barwell and Rushall who were saying they would be OK as long as the players don't freeze.

"That side of it hadn't entered my head with our players. Maybe that's because we've always been coming from behind and haven't thought about that sort of pressure.

"We've been getting on with the job in hand and winning our games. I don't know whether that could change at this late stage."

Whild enjoyed success as a player at a similar level with Stratford and Northfield.

He added: "We have a number of young lads in their early 20s mixed with experienced players and that has worked well.

"With the pitch flooding and the fire at the clubhouse, it can make it all an even greater achievement.

"We've been struggling against adversity all the time and hopefully now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

l Swifts win 4-0 at Wednesfield - Page 87.