RICHARD Ball was once again Stourport Swifts' saviour as his last-gasp equaliser earned a 1-1 Dr Martens Western Division draw at Atherstone United.

The result means Swifts have now stretched their unbeaten run to five games which has, but for a mathematical miracle, finally guaranteed their place in the league next season.

Ball bagged his goal eight minutes into injury time, turning his shot home from a narrow angle after the home defence failed to deal with a high ball into the area.

But Swifts should have found the net much earlier in a game they dominated for long periods.

With just four minutes gone, Ball dragged a close-range effort wide and then steered another past the post seven minutes before the break following good work on the right by Tim Nicholls.

Swifts maintained the upper hand at the start of the second period and John Shirley headed narrowly wide.

But as the visitors took their foot off the gas, the Adders struck the opening blow on 55 minutes.

Ross Genner collected a loose ball 25 yards out and struck a low shot that took a deflection on its way into the corner past a stranded John Danby.

Swifts almost drew level on 80 minutes when home keeper Dale Belford's clearance from the edge of his area struck Andy Wright.

The ball sailed over Belford's head and hit the crossbar but was cleared before substitute Steve Hawkes could force it over the line.

Wright sent another effort high over the bar when well placed before Ball grabbed Stourport's injury-time equaliser.

SWIFTS: Danby 6, Webb 6, ULFIG 7, Newall 6, Davies 6 (S Wright 36, 6), Harris 6, Blake 6 (Hawkes 71), Nicholls 5 (Giddings 72), Ball 6, A Wright 6, Shirley 6. Subs (not used): Willetts, Clarke.

STAR MAN: Steve Ulfig.

ATTENDANCE: 140.