RUGBY UNITED 1, SWIFTS 1

BATTLING Stourport Swifts displayed a never-say-die attitude to rescue a point at Rugby United with the final kick of the match.

Substitute Steve Hawkes was the hero after popping up to drill home a superb shot to draw 1-1 with the Dr Martens Western Division high-fliers.

It was a hard-earned point for Swifts who were forced to defend in depth to repel a pacy and skilful Rugby attack.

The Butlin Road side looked dangerous from the off but resolute defending from Swifts, led by the impressive Craig Webb, restricted their opportunities.

Lively front man Justin Marsden finally made the breakthough in the 30th minute after a counter-attack by strike-partner Dave Pearson.

The forward broke quickly before feeding Marsden who turned sharply on the edge of the box before firing past Lee Evans into the left-hand corner.

Marsden could have had a second three minutes later but wasted a glorious opening from eight yards.

After the break, Rugby had the greater share of possession but diligent Swifts defending allowed few clear-cut opportunities, restricting Marsden and Pearson to hopeful efforts comfortably held by Evans.

With 11 minutes left, Swifts' boss Dave Titterton threw caution to the wind and introduced youngsters Robbie Taylor and Hawkes.

It paid immediate dividends as Stourport enjoyed their most fruitful spell of the match.

Twice James Wood nearly got through, denied by Rugby keeper Dean Thomas who smothered his threat and then by a last-ditch block after Hawkes had wriggled through.

With time almost up, Swifts launched one final attack and when the ball fell invitingly for Hawkes, the youngster displayed a clinical touch to dispatch a sweetly-struck volley into the corner.

SWIFTS: Evans 6, Cotterill 7, Ulfig 7, Jones 6, WEBB 8, Harris 6, Hyde 6 (Taylor 79), Hayward 7 (Hawkes 79), Ball 6, Wood 6, Sayer 6 (Wright 59, 5). Subs (not used): Titterton, Price.

STAR MAN: Craig Webb.

ATTENDANCE: 204.