SHEPSHED 1 SWIFTS 1

Everything looked rosy at the Dovecote as Stourport Swifts looked to build on an early wonder goal from Kerry Giddings on Saturday.

Striker Antony Robinson was up to his usual ball juggling tricks and three Dr Martens Western Division points looked to be heading back across the Midlands to Walshes Meadow.

But the game was turned on its head just before the half-hour when the towering figure of Dave Davies crumpled to the floor following a clash with Shepshed's Carl Lawrence.

The Swifts defender was taken off with a suspected broken nose and with him went Stourport's chances.

They had controlled play early on and their pressure resulted in an effort from his own half by Giddings which Shepshed keeper Andy Harland could only help into his own net.

Further chances followed with the pick of these falling to Robinson who turned and shot only to find Harland up to the task.

But with Davies off the field, Swifts began to lose their way and allowed the Leicestershire side back into the match.

Martyn Emery fired one chance over before the break and then forced Stourport keeper Lee Evans to touch another onto the woodwork.

Simon Forsdick also went close for the home side as did Adrian Greatrex who turned a header just wide of the target.

The equaliser came 10 minutes from time when a Darren Grassby free-kick was headed into the bottom corner by Lawrence.

It could have been worse for Dave Titterton's Swifts as the dangerous Jason Weafer was denied a winner for Shepshed in the closing seconds.

SWIFTS: Evans 6, Jones 6, Ulfig 7, Newall 6, Davies 7 (Mulders 28, 6), Harris 6, Shirley 6, SAYER 8, Wood 6 (Ball 71), Robinson 6 (Webb 90), Giddings 6. Subs (not used): Hawkes, Wright.

STAR MAN: Ronnie Sayer.

ATTENDANCE: 118.