Fairford Town's hopes of some silverware bite the dust at Cinder Lane (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford Town's hopes of some silverware bite the dust at Cinder Lane

FAIRFORD Town's last hope of some silverware this season disappeared in a 0-3 defeat at their Cinder Lane ground on Wednesday evening of last week.

Looking to overcome a 0-1 deficit sustained in the first leg of the Norman Matthews Floodlit Cup Final, Fairford began the second leg very keenly.

In a tense first half, they finally made the first real chance five minutes before the interval when Phil Corcoran picked up a loose ball in the visitors' area, only to strike it straight at the keeper.

After a goal-less first 45 minutes, Fairford manager Mark Webb brought on Lee Stoddart 15 minutes after the break in an attempt to change his team's fortunes and Stoddart had several chances to put his team ahead.

Nonetheless, it was Slim-bridge who broke the deadlock when Fairford keeper James Price couldn't get a firm enough grip on Freeman's low cross and Cole seized on his chance to score from the loose ball.

With 15 minutes left and Town still hopeful of salvaging something from this tie, their rivals were awarded a penalty following a trip on Green and Cole converted from the spot.

And when Green scored Slim-bridge's third five minutes from time, the Cinder Lane team knew that their chance of lifting the trophy was all over.

On Saturday, Fairford's return to league action proved equally disappointing in 2-3 home loss to North Leigh.

Chris Knowles put the hosts 1-0 up after nine minutes before Corcoran gave them a 2-0 lead on 25 minutes.

But two long-range and wind-assisted goals from Hamp and Burnley brought the visitors level before Smith's scrambled 85th-minute effort earned North Leigh an unexpected bonus.

Fairford, without a game on Saturday, are away to Bicester Town next Tuesday evening.