GOAL machine Lee Booth notched a hat-trick on Saturday as Stourport Swifts triumphed 5-1 at second-from-bottom Stapenhill.

The Midland Alliance victory removed fears that Swifts may struggle against a lower side as has happened in the past.

Despite a forced week's rest, Rod Brown's men made a lively start to the game.

Jamie Hart kept Stapenhill defenders busy and he shot straight at the keeper before releasing Booth only for the striker to fire wide.

The visitors kept forcing the pace with a succession of corners and eventually Lea Shaw's deep cross found an unmarked Jan Mulders who headed firmly into the roof of the net.

Their dominance was frustrated by poor finishing and good keeping and they had a scare when Derek Dudley pushed a long free-kick over the bar.

However, Swifts extended their lead close to half-time as Adrian Cooper crossed for Booth to convert.

Shaw missed an early chance in the second half before another Cooper cross from the right in the 48th minute was met by Booth for a third. Stapenhill pulled a goal back on 66 minutes when a long clearance found Allen unmarked and he beat the advancing Dudley.

But Swifts regained the advantage when interplay between Paul Moore and Simon Marsh led to a Shaw cross and Booth headed home for his hat-trick.

Shaw rounded off an excellent captain's performance when he met a cross from Moore and his first-time shot found the net.

Fixture, Saturday: Swifts v Oldbury United (3pm), Tuesday: Willenhall Town v Swifts (7.45pm).