BATTLING Heybridge Swifts hit back from going behind twice to extend their unbeaten run to ten Pitching In Isthmian League division north games, writes JON LONGMAN.

But the Swifts needed a late penalty save from emergency keeper Eman Nwuso to extend their run with a 2-2 draw at home to Bowers & Pitsea.

Nwuso was a late signing in place of Callum Chafer who turned an ankle after his first game back following a long absence with a right knee injury.

Swifts manager Steve Tilson: “Callum rolled his ankle [in training] on Thursday night and we didn’t have much time to find a replacement. Made a few phone calls and Eman was available [from Enfield].

“Difficult for him to come in as he doesn’t know anyone. He had a good debut, saved a penalty and earned us a point.”

It was a nightmare afternoon for Swifts captain Quba Gordon who gifted an opening goal to Matt Price, nodding the ball into the path of the former Swifts favourite after just nine minutes.

The Swifts equalised eight minutes later when Sam Bantick shrugged off the challenge of two defenders before squaring the ball to Sam Park, who lashed the ball into the unguarded net.

Bowers, one place ahead of the Swifts in the play-off positions at the kick-off, arrived at the First Call Stadium with an attacking plan.

The visitors restored their advantage when the Swifts gave away a free kick on the edge of the penalty area on the stroke of half time.

Benas Vaivada met a superbly executed set piece from Lewis Chambers with a near-post free header to put Bowers 2-1 ahead.

The Swifts equalised for a second time in the 55th minute when Bantick cut in from the left flank and his centre was met by Ben Sartain who beat David Hughes with a fierce drive.

Gordon’s miserable afternoon continued when he was booked after conceding the soft penalty in the 78th minute.

By contrast, Nwuso completed a memorable afternoon by diving to his left to save a penalty and protect Swifts’ unbeaten run.

Tilson added: “A tough point today. It keeps our run going and fair play to the boys who dug in. Ben Sartain’s goal would have been worthy of winning any game.

“Bowers are a tough side to play with long throws coming in from everywhere.

“We were resilient today and we move on to Witham on Friday night.”