STOURPORT Swifts suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at high-riding Gloucester City in the Dr Martens Western Division.

Swifts, boosted by free-scoring Richard Ball's return from Halesowen Town, went on the offensive from the start. Ball shot wide and then good interplay by John Shirley and Robert Taylor led to a good save from Gloucester 'keeper Matt Bath.

But after 40 minutes, Stourport 'keeper Ryan Price was shown the red card for bringing down Adam Hemmings in the box and the penalty was awarded.

Willie Dunn was the player substituted to make way for striker Kerry Giddings to take over for the second time this season as stand in 'keeper, but Gloucester's Andy Hoskins blasted in the penalty with 41 minutes gone.

They pressed home their one-man advantage with several chances but Giddings proved confident with Craig Webb and Bryan Small looking outstanding for Swifts.

The second half saw early pressure from Gloucester but Stourport captain Jay Powell organised his side well and got some great tackles in.

As the match went on Stourport grew in confidence with Taylor, Ball and Andy Wright causing problems but were unable to breakdown a panicking Gloucester defence.

The game ended with a corner for Swifts. Giddings ran the length of the pitch and pushed everyone into the box in hope of an equaliser, but it was not to be as Richard Kavanagh blasted over the bar from 30 yards.

Swifts: Price 6, H Webb 9, Small 8, Ulfig 6 (Jones 65, 6), Powell 8, Shirley 8, Lloyd 6 (Wright 46, 7), Kavanagh 6, Ball 7, Taylor 7, Dunn 6 (Giddings 40, 7). Subs not used: Hayward, Willetts.

Attendance: 336.