OPTIMISTS will say a point against high-flying Woodford United is a respectable return when, like Stourport, you are battling at the foot of the table.

But for much of this goalless draw at Walshes Meadow, Swifts looked ill at ease in front of goal and need to start scoring if they are to ease their relegation fears.

The visitors had three clear chances to open the scoring before Stourport finally sparked into life, substitute Richard Burgess proving the catalyst following his arrival midway through the second half.

Prior to that, Woodford's Nicky Gordon had shot wide after racing clear of the defence on five minutes while an unmarked Russell Dunkley placed a header into the arms of home keeper Dave Adey from eight yards.

Stourport's best effort of the first period fell to Nick Heath but he dragged his shot wide from the edge of the area.

Another Adey save from Gordon ten minutes after the restart was another alarm call for Swifts who then stepped up a gear on Burgess' introduction.

Just five minutes later he skimmed the crossbar with a cross from the left and then created the space for strike partner Dean Curtis whose shot was wide of the mark.

With Burgess and Richard Colwell linking up to slice through what had been a solid Woodford defence, Swifts almost claimed the points two minutes from time. The substitute fired in a low cross form the right for Curtis who shot on the turn only for keeper Matt Finlay to deny him with a brilliant save.

Swifts: Adey 7, Langford 7, Robinson 7, Aubrey 6, Harvey 7, Frost 5, Upton 5, Heath 6, Curtis 6, Payne 6 (Burgess 65, 7), COLWELL 8. Subs (not used): Edwards, Graham, Butler, Evans.