Stourport Swifts 1
Barton Rovers 2

BARTON bagged their first win of the year bringing an end to Stourport's four-match unbeaten run.

But it was the home side who started the better with recent signing Shane Gill handing them the perfect start.

There were just six minutes on the clock when the striker sent a looping effort over the keeper from 18 yards after the visitors failed to clear Richard Tomkins' corner.

And Gill almost struck again moments later when he skipped through the Barton defence only to be foiled by the legs of visiting keeper Martin Pitching.

Former England u21 striker Tony Thorpe was included in Barton's starting line-up and he showed his pedigree by grabbing a 34th minute equaliser, eluding his marker to slot the ball home from close range.

Gill showed his class on the stroke of half-time but the upright came to Rovers' rescue.

The second half saw the visitors take a grip on the game and although they were denied by the woodwork early on, former Fulham forward Thorpe claimed his second of the game on 55 minutes to wrap up the points for the Bedfordshire side.

Swifts: Jay 7, Smith 7, Tomkins 7, Wood 6 (Webb 65, 7), McComisky 6, Williams 6 (Wolsey 83), Willetts 6, Jukes 7, Roberts 6 (Burgess 65, 6), GILL 8, Gayton 6. Subs (not used): Ladek, Andrews.