STOURPORT Swifts make the trip to Somerset this weekend in the knowledge that they must lift their game against one of the league's form sides.

Paulton Rovers secured the Southern League Division One West Team of the Month award for December following a run of results that has seen them climb into the top half of the table.

Swifts, on the other hand, are heading in the opposite direction and their slip down the table was not helped by a lacklustre 2-1 defeat at the hands of Ashford Town at the weekend.

Manager Dave Titterton drafted in new signings Gary Price and Gareth Jennings for the Walshes Meadow clash but it was the Middlesex side that ran out winners.

A fourth minute goal from Russell Canderton followed a mistake by keeper Aaron O'Malley and the Stourport stopper was also at fault when Anthony Eggington tucked home a second on 62 minutes.

Swifts had chances to score in the interim but Andy Jones looped a header over the bar while Jennings sent a shot too high. Mark Atkinson had a chance to continue his impressive scoring run on the stroke of half-time but was denied by a good save from Paul Burgess.

A triple substitution followed Ashford's second goal and this spurred Swifts into their best period of the game with Andy Checketts coming off the bench to inspire his team-mates.

But although the wily winger reduced the arrears 15 minutes from time with a stunning 30-yard drive, the visitors held on to secure the win needed to steer them away from the 'wrong' end of the table.

Swifts: O'Malley 6, M Jones 7, Green 7, A JONES 8, Webb 6, Tilley 6 (Price 64, 6), Lloyd 7, Bragoli 6, Atkinson 7 (Crisp 64, 7), Willetts 6, Jennings 6 (Checketts 64, 8). Subs (not used): Titterton, Parker.

l Stourport's midweek game at Cinderford Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.