BATTLING Stourport Swifts displayed a never-say-die attitude to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw at Rugby United with the final kick of the match.

Substitute Steve Hawkes was the hero last night after popping up to drill home a superb shot to deny 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 frontman Justin Marsden finally made the breakthough in the 30th minute after a counterattack 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.

With 11 minutes remaining Swifts' boss Dave Titterton threw caution to the wind and introduced youngsters Robbie Taylor and Hawkes. It paid dividends as Stourport enjoyed their most fruitful spell of the match.

Twice James Wood nearly got through, the first time to be denied by Rugby goalkeeper Dean Thomas and then by a last-ditch block after Hawkes had wriggled through to the byeline.

With time almost up Swifts launched one final attack and the ball fell invitingly for Hawkes to fire home from 18 yards.

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

Attendance: 204.