TEENAGE goalkeeper Adrian Hipkins had a debut to remember as he helped guide Stourport Swifts to a 1-0 Dr Martens Western Division victory at Sutton Coldfield Town.
The 18-year-old rookie, called into the side after regular Rob Clarke suffered a groin strain in the midweek victory over Cirencester Town, had an impressive game and capped it all with a fine save late on to secure the three points that lifted the Worcestershire side into the top four.
Former Redditch defender Dominic Reece looked odds-on to net a last gasp equaliser for Sutton when he raced clear but Hipkins did well to keep out his shot while Leon Mitchell fired the rebound over the bar.
Solid defending and an inspired display from midfield battler Adam Nicholls was the basis for this win. And when the home side found a way through, Hipkins was there to provide the last line of defence.
He saved from Reece on 11 minutes before Mitchell lobbed an effort against the crossbar ten minutes before the break.
At the other end, home keeper Justin Bray denied Lee Booth and Nicholls thumped an effort just wide.
Swifts came strong midway through the second half with Jan Mulders forcing a goalline clearance from Richard Gardiner before Stourport netted the game's only goal on 76 minutes. Lea Shaw found space enough to cross to the far post where Simon Marsh was on hand to head home.
Alex Cowley had an 18-yard effort saved by Bray's legs eight minutes from time before Hipkins came to the rescue at the other end.
Swifts: Hipkins 8, Davies 6 (Ulfig 75), Charlton 8, Townsend 8, Mulders 8, Shaw 7 (Hackett 78), Cowley 7, Nicholls 9, Marsh 8, Booth 7, Southwick 8 (Cooper 71).
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