JUST when it looked as though the demons of relegation had been well and truly banished, three straight defeats mean Stourport Swifts are again facing a relegation battle.

Inspired Dr Martens Western Division victories over Gresley Rovers and Cinderford Town at the start of the month are now distant memories at Walshes Meadow.

But Swifts manager Dave Titterton did find some Christmas cheer in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at promotion hopefulsWeston.

Titterton said: "We have played all the top sides now and have not been disgraced.

"Against Weston it was difficult to tell who was third from top and who was third from bottom.

"They scored early on with a good header but, after that, they didn't really trouble us."

Both Kerry Giddings and Simon Marsh had chances to level the scores for Swifts after Danny O'Hagan had headed Weston into a 21st minute lead.

Titterton added: "I would be worried if we weren't creating the chances.

"At Weston we did not create as much as we have been but the system we are using, with a player just off the solitary striker, gives teams problems."

Former West Ham United midfielder Stuart Slater went close for Weston inside the opening minute and it was from his free-kick that the West Country side took the lead.

Steve Ulfig had to clear an effort off his own line late on but, at the other end, Swifts were denied a penalty when Simon Marsh appeared to be upended after being played clear by Giddings.