THERE could not be a much better time for Stourport Swifts to hit the top of the Midland Alliance.

One of the factors behind Swifts' almost nerveless season was that they had been playing catch-up throughout, never once being in first place.

And when it really mattered last Thursday, they did exactly what was required to finish as league champions with a 3-0 victory at Bloxwich Town.

Needing a two-goal margin, Swifts booked their place in next season's Dr Martens League Western Division.

And they are sure to be a worthy addition to that level with boss Rod Brown already on the trail of further experience to boost his squad.

But Brown already has a fair amount at his disposal and it is mixed finely with some exciting young talent.

For instance, they have a host of players, such as Jan Mulders, Simon Marsh, Ross Knight, hot-shot Lee Booth and Mark Dearlove, who were all part of a very capable Dr Martens squad at Redditch United.

To take just two others, Brendan Hackett was at Rushden and Adrian Cooper at Halesowen Town.

Then Swifts can boast younger players like Paul Mountford, Steve Ulfig, Alex Cowley and Paul Moore who have all been a vital part of their success.

There is sure to have to be changes at Walshes Meadow to ensure Swifts are competitive, such as creating a bigger budget for players.

But Swifts have often shown themselves to be a class above the Midland Alliance opposition and this should stand them in good stead.

Last Thursday, jubilant players, officials and supporters celebrated as the Midland Alliance shield was presented to Lea Shaw and Hackett on the pitch.

Rod Brown's men made the perfect start as they aimed to pip Rushall to the title by taking the lead after just three minutes on a bumpy pitch.

A set-piece was cleared only as far as left wing-back Cooper who whipped in a fine high far-post cross.

Marsh, a Swifts player since a teenager via a spell at Redditch United, rose highest and keeper Steve Lister could only grab hold of the ball after it had crossed the goal-line.

Worryingly for the visitors, the game slowed down as a young Bloxwich side battled gamely without causing much threat.

But title-chasing Swifts remained patient as their manager had requested despite a number of blocked shots and injury stoppages.

Lister held a fierce 20-yard Shaw shot above his head after good work from Marsh and Cowley on 35 minutes.

Then Marsh, who had made such an early impact, just failed to get on the end of a long Shaw free-kick.

Top scorer Booth's header a minute before half-time was cleared off the line but from the resulting corner, their patience was rewarded.

Cooper's right-wing flag-kick caused a massive scramble in the six-yard box and experienced defender Mulders stabbed the loose ball home through a ruck of players from barely a yard.

It was the vital second goal and drew wild celebrations from the Swifts side - as did the third goal which sealed the championship.

The strike arrived just a minute later in first-half injury-time as Moore's persistence down the right paid off.

Moore won the ball and put in a low cross which Lister fumbled horribly for Booth to instinctively tap home the 40th goal of a stunning league season.

Swifts continued to dominate the second half with keeper Rob Clarke's handling only tested by a long-range free-kick.

A deflected Booth shot was tipped around the post and Lister then made up for his earlier error with a stunning push onto the bar after Marsh's header from a Shaw cross.

The ever-dangerous Booth was denied by a couple of impressive blocks from the Bloxwich defence as Swifts cruised home.

Swifts, a former Kidderminster and District Football League club, are continuing their fine rise up the pyramid and can now look forward to derby games with the likes of Evesham, Redditch and Halesowen Town.

Swifts: Clarke, Mountford, Ulfig, Hackett, Mulders, Shaw, Cowley, Cooper, Moore, Booth, Marsh. Subs: Nicholls (Cowley 75), Giddings (Moore 63), Knight (Hackett 71).