STOURPORT Swifts manager Tim Langford admitted his side had been out-battled and out-played as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Rugby United in the Dr Martens Western Division.

"We created nothing and they beat us in every department," the boss said after his side were left reeling by three second-half strikes.

And to make matters worse, the visitors finished the game with just 10 men after keeper Rob Clarke was sent off for a challenge on young Rugby striker Justin Marsden.

Swifts had been out of action for 11 days prior to their trip to Butlin Road and Langford said it had proved to be a mixed blessing for his side.

Langford added: "On one hand we wanted the break to get players fit again. But on the other we have gone stale, the lay-off has done us no favours in that respect."

Swifts managed just two attempts on goal all game - neither of them on target.

Simon Marsh blasted a shot over the bar from 20 yards on 16 minutes and Jan Mulders headed wide following a Jamie Stainer cross midway through the second half.

Sadly for Swifts, Rugby were having no such problems at the other end. They attacked at will and only poor finishing and some good work by Clarke kept them at bay for an hour.

The breakthrough came when the inspired Marsden and Robbie Beard combined before finding 16-year-old Neil Melvin on the left and he fired home from the edge of the area.

Clarke was given his marching orders with 15 minutes to go. The challenge also led to a Rugby penalty which Danny Hall drilled past substitute keeper Steve Nicholson.

Beard and Karl Brennan missed golden chances to add to United's lead before Marsden netted from close range in injury-time.

SWIFTS: Clarke 6, Mulders 6, Ulfig 6, M Beard 5 (Nicholls 52, 6), Laker 6, Shirley 6, MARSH 7, Crisp 5, Giddings 5, Langford 5, Stainer 5 (Nicholson 77). Subs (not used): Baylis, Wright, Sandhu.

ATTENDANCE: 220.