A GOAL in each half secured Sutton Coldfield Town a 2-0 victory over Stourport Swifts, making it a Dr Martens Western Division double over Dave Titterton's struggling side.

Swifts had their chances but the home side always looked the more likely to score and they twice went close even before the deadlock was broken on 10 minutes.

With just a minute on the clock, Dean Perrow eased past Stourport defender Steve Ulfig on the right and found Darren Massingham unmarked in the centre but his shot was forced behind for a corner.

More slack defending allowed Simon Tucker space down the left soon after but his pass to Kirk Maragh but blazed over by the Sutton midfielder.

And the opener arrived when Maragh's shot struck Massingham who then coolly turned to rifle home from in front of goal.

Another lapse at the back almost gifted Sutton a second on 16 minutes as the unmarked Tucker shot against the feet of Rob Clarke with Perrow placing the rebound wide of the open goal.

Swifts edged their way back into the match as the half wore on with Jamie Stainer, Kerry Giddings and Craig Harris all having half-chances.

Ulfig should have done better when he crept in to meet a Tim Nicholls free-kick nine minutes after the break but could only head feebly at keeper Bray.

And three minutes later Giddings raced through but, as Bray closed him down, the skipper headed wide of the empty net.

After having so much of the play, it was cruel on Swifts when Town added a second on 61 minutes.

Maragh turned the ball home from the edge of the area after the Stourport defence failed to deal with a Neil Watkins free-kick.

Nicholls was denied by a good Bray save but Swifts were unable to find the cutting edge to slice Sutton open in the final stages.

SWIFTS: Clarke 5, Medou-Otye 6, Ulfig 5, Mulders 6, Davies 6 (Fletcher 45, 5), Harris 5 (Malpass 83), Blake 7, Nicholls 7, Giddings 5, Stainer 5 (Moore 75), SHIRLEY 7. Subs (not used): Sall, Nicholson.

STAR MAN: John Shirley.

ATTENDANCE: 129.