Hastings United picked up a valuable point from a 1-1 draw away to second-placed Stafford Rangers.

A spectacular strike from Danny Simmonds with just two minutes left gave the visitors the point they fully deserved.

Without a win in 20 outings, Hastings had the better of the possession in the opening half although chances at either end were at a premium.

Rob Collins found himself in space early on but his header over home keeper Ryan Price drifted wide.

Two minutes later Rangers took the lead. Hastings keeper Dave King started to come for a cross from the left but then stopped. Deane Bailey's shot lacked power, but with King out of position the ball rolled just inside his right-hand post.

There was not a lot between the sides in the second half although Stafford could have doubled their lead when Robin Gibson fired over from inside the area.

The equaliser came in the 88th minute when Simmonds unleashed a thunderous low shot from 25 yards which gave Price no chance.