STOURPORT Swifts slipped to a fourth straight defeat as visitors Rugby clinched a Dr Martens Western Division double over the Walshes Meadow side.

But there was no repeat of recent shoddy displays which have seen Swifts slump back towards the relegation zone.

Boss Dave Titterton gave debuts to former Halesowen Town defender John Newall and keeper John Danby, on loan from neighbours Kidderminster harriers.

And their inclusion, together with a man-of-the-match performance from centre-back Dave Davies, seemed to shore up a defence that had leaked 10 goals in their previous three games.

Danby was called into action on 17 minutes, claiming a Neil Melvin effort at the second attempt, before Newall was forced to clear off the line after Rory Squire had scrambled a shot goalwards.

At the other end, Richard Ball had Stourport's best chance but blazed over the bar following good work by Leon Blake.

The only goal of the game came on 26 minutes when the impressive Justin Marsden took the ball to the edge of the area before firing into the bottom corner of Danby's goal.

Andy Wright turned an effort just wide late in the half and then went close early in the second period with a shot directed straight at Rugby keeper Jason Pearcey.

The visitors went close to adding to their tally with Marsden sliding a shot just past the upright, while Robbie Beard directed an effort straight at Danby.

But the Warwickshire club were grateful to keeper Pearcey in the dying seconds when the former Mansfield Town stopper kept out a Simon Marsh volley.

SWIFTS: Danby 7, Nicholls 6, Kilgour 6, Newall 7, DAVIES 8, Harris 6 (Fletcher 27, 6), Blake 7, Marsh 6, Ball 6, A Wright 6, Read 6 (Giddings 60, 6). Subs (not used): Hipkins, S Wright, Hawkes.

STAR MAN: David Davies.

ATTENDANCE: 178.