HIGH-FLYING Stourport Swifts believe they can mount a Dr Martens League Western Division promotion challenge.

Swifts are within two points of leaders Solihull Borough with a game in hand after Saturday's hard-fought 1-0 victory at Sutton Coldfield.

They have a free week coming up with a bye in the FA Trophy first round.

Swifts will meet Bishop Auckland at the next stage.

And assistant boss Gary Whild is hoping the free time will benefit the players who have organised a team bonding night out tomorrow.

Swifts are still looking at adding to their squad but made no headway in a loan move for Harriers talented teenage striker Matt Lewis.

Whild insisted: "We are a third of the way through the season and from what we have seen, there is nothing to frighten us.

"You keep looking at the league and see we are a couple of points off the top with a game in hand. You've always got to have that bit of ambition and look to move on.

"But at the moment we are just thinking it's great to be up there and we are chuffed.

"It's better to be thinking of staying around the top than wondering whether we wouldn't survive and drop back into the Alliance.

"But we know that perhaps we need to strengthen the squad with a couple of players while we are doing well. It's the best time to attract players."

Simon Marsh's goal gave Swifts victory on a difficult pitch at Sutton Coldfield but will be the last competitive action before a trip to Gresley a week on Saturday.

Whild added: "We don't know whether the break will be a good or bad thing until we're playing again.

"Whether it would be better to keep our run going by playing games or to clear up a few niggles, I'm not sure.

"But maybe it will help us as you get more injuries now as we come across heavier grounds.

"It was a poor pitch at Sutton Coldfield but we ground out a result and were well worth the three points. They won't lose many games there."

Striker Tim Langford is now trying to shake off a stomach strain, while utility man Willie Dunn is the main absentee from training with his knee problem.