BOSS Tim Langford was a forlorn figure after Stourport Swifts slipped to a 1-0 Dr Martens Western Division defeat at home to Sutton Coldfield on Monday.

It meant the Walshes Meadow side had lost both Bank Holiday fixtures and a season that had offered so much looks like finishing with the club mid-table.

Langford admitted: "With the numbers we have at the club at he moment, I wouldn't be too despondent if the season finished tonight, tomorrow or Saturday.

"Over a season, luck evens itself out but, just at the moment, we seem to be getting all the bad luck.

"But this is our first year at this level and it is a learning curve for me and for the club."

Sutton Coldfield took the points with a goal nine minutes from the end.

Neil Manton's corner fell to Adrian Baddams 25 yards out and his volley flew through a crowded area into the net.

The goal was cruel on Swifts who were worthy of at least a point, while keeper Rob Clarke deserved a clean sheet after making a number of key saves.

Asa Charlton and Simon Marsh both had efforts kept out by Town keeper Justin Bray before the break with Jan Mulders having his header tipped over the bar on the stroke of half-time.

The pick of Sutton's first half chances fell to Kirk Murtagh whose 20-yard drive forced Clarke into action.

It was a similar story in the second half with Tim Nicholls, Tim Langford and Kerry Giddings firing wide before Marsh had a shot headed off the line by Sutton defender Nigel Brown.

After shading the second period, Sutton's goal was rough justice.

But Swifts were grateful to Clarke in the end for keeping the tally down as the big stopper pulled off a fine save in the closing seconds to deny Ian Bennett.

Langford added: "It was an even game and one goal was always going to win it.

"Unfortunately, the goal went against us but I thought we matched them for effort and, if you look at the game, I thought their keeper had more to do than ours.

"You have to take the positives from the game. The effort was there and, defensively, we looked strong again."

SWIFTS: Clarke 7, Laker 6, Wright 6 (Edwards 90), Marsh 7, Mulders 6, T Nicholls 6, Beard 7, Nicholls 6, GIDDINGS 8, Langford 6 (Cooper 60, 6), Charlton 6. Sub (not used) Crisp.

ATTENDANCE: 122.

STAR MAN: Kerry Giddings.