STOURPORT Swifts eased their relegation worries with a 3-1 win in yesterday's local derby at Evesham United in the Dr Martens League Western Division.

It ended a run of three defeats for Swifts, but the win was handed to them on a plate by a disjointed Evesham side whose problems began before kick-off.

Inderpaul Khela and Paul Hunter were recalled by Kidderminster Harriers and Hinckley United respectively and Wesley Joyce and Shaun Pratt failed to turn up.

If that wasn't enough for manager Phil Mullen to ponder key players Nathan Jukes and Jay Powell were substituted during the first half because of injury. Mark Wolsey was sent off at the start of the second half and then reserve keeper Craig Ladek had to play up front due to an injury to Neil Illman.

Despite this the Robins stormed ahead after five minutes when Jukes found the net from 20 yards.

The lead, however, lasted only five minutes, Peter Sutton beating Chris Taylor with a rasping drive.

On 14 minutes Stourport edged in front when errors allowed Richard Ball to score.

Stourport capitalised on the departures of Powell and Jukes by scoring a third in the 40th minute through Ball.

No sooner had the second half started Swifts were awarded a penalty. Michael Moore's shot was handled on the line by Wolsey, who was then shown the red card. Ball, however, dragged his spot kick well wide.

Evesham: Taylor 5, Smith 7, Wolsey 6, West 6, Powell 6 (James 22, 6), Jukes 6 (Davies 39, 6), Lutz 6, Barnett 6, Illman 6 (Ladek 80), Mullen 6, Pinkney 6. Sub (not used): Gardiner.

Stourport: Clarke 7, Cotterill 6 (Nicholls 33, 8), Ulfig 6, Mulders 7, Davies 7, Marsh 9, Sutton 8, Harris 6, Ball 8 (A Wright, 72), Moore 8, Blake 6. Subs (not used) S Wright, Shirley, Titterton.

Attendance: 202.