Slimbridge victory not significant, says Fairford Town manager (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Slimbridge victory not significant, says Fairford Town manager

SATURDAY'S 0-2 home league loss against Slimbridge, the team Fairford are set to meet in the first leg of the Norman Matthews Floodlit Cup Final next week, is not significant, according to Mark Webb, the manager of the Cinder Lane side.

In fact, Webb, who insists it was far from a one-sided game, said, "With a number of defensive players currently out of action for one reason or another, we've been suffering in that department for several weeks.

"Although we initially struggled at the start of the game, which allowed Slimbridge to score an early goal, we were a transformed side after the break.

"We pummelled them for almost the whole of the second half and had a couple of decent chances to get an equaliser.

"It was while we were on the attack just before full time that they scored a breakaway goal."

With the first leg of the cup final away at Slimbridge next Tuesday evening (7.30pm ko), Webb intended resting a number of players in last night's (Wednesday) league game at Gloucester United and also for this Saturday's home fixture versus Carterton Town, 3pm ko.

In fact, Webb has pencilled in regular defender Simon Gregory, who has been out of action for five weeks following suspension, for this vital cup-tie as his first game back.

With a hoped for top-six league finish looking increasingly unlikely for Fairford, Webb, who has set his heart on bringing back some silverware to the Cinder Lane trophy cabinet before the end of this season, knows he needs a good first leg.