STAR striker Richard Ball made his return for Stourport Swifts but was shoved out of the spotlight in a 1-0 defeat at Gloucester City.

Keeper Ryan Price grabbed the headlines after being sent off for conceding the controversial penalty which produced the home side's only goal on 37 minutes.

Ball, released by Dr Martens Western Division rivals Halesowen Town, was plunged straight into the Swifts starting line-up on Saturday by boss Dave Titterton.

Gloucester, who won 2-1 at Walshes Meadow back in December, are still hopeful of hitting the top two and hauling in runaway leaders Redditch.

And on an afternoon of few chances they completed the double over Swifts with the penalty from leading scorer Andy Hoskins who has bagged 19 league goals.

The referee had already ignored appeals for two earlier penalties from Gloucester but had no hesitation in pointing to the spot when Price collided with Adam Hemming.

The challenge also prompted a red card for the Stourport stopper who then threw his gloves at the Gloucester player.

Striker Kerry Giddings took over in goal but was helpless to keep out the penalty although he dealt well with everything after that.

Ten-man Swifts looked far the livelier following the break with Ball dropping into midfield and substitute Andy Wright operating as the lone striker.

And Titterton's side created enough chances to have earned at least a share of the points only for poor finishing to let them down.

Ball, Rob Taylor and John Shirley all squandered chances, while Richard Kavanagh let rip with a drive that just missed the top corner of Matt Bath's goal.

Swifts were still missing John Newall, Steve Hawkes, Ronnie Sayer, Lee Evans and Dave Davies among their walking wounded.

SWIFTS: Price 6, WEBB 8, Small 8, Powell 7, Ulfig 6 (Jones 58, 6), Shirley 6, Kavanagh 6, Lloyd 5 (Wright 45, 6), Dunn 6 (Giddings 40, 7), Ball 6, Taylor 7. Subs not used: Hayward, Willetts.

STAR MAN: Craig Webb.

ATTENDANCE: 336.