Blackfields & Langley 1-0 Slimbridge

THE Swans returned home from Hampshire pointless on the opening day of the season, going down 1-0 thanks to a 52nd minute penalty scored by Blackfield & Langley’s Liam Robinson.

The hosts, who were making their debut in the Southern league after being crowned champions of the Wessex league last season, were keen to make a good start and certainly looked sharper.

Owen Fee was a thorn in the Swans side all afternoon with his pacy runs up the left side. He came close to opening the scoring when his free-kick forced a save from Eric Edge in the visitors' goal.

An early caution for Christien Turner for a deliberate push was followed by a second for Joe Noakes for a soft challenge.

Slimbridge had a penalty appeal turned down on 33 minutes when Liam Smith appeared to be felled in the box, but the referee was not interested.

The home side should have scored right on half time when a high cross into the box eluded Edge but was cleared off the line by Luke Payne. The rebound was struck inches wide by Robinson.

After the break, the hosts went in front.

Korey Pring was penalised for a late challenge in the area and up stepped Robinson to fire his spot-kick low past Edge.

Slimbridge were rather fortunate not to concede a second penalty 10 minutes later through Noakes, but the referee instead awarded a freekick to the Swans - much to the annoyance of the home side.

A great run up by Ewen Dunbar found Will Hawes free but his shot was blocked. The rebound was struck inches wide by Liam Smith, robbing the visitors of an equaliser.

Hawes and Ben Hands were replaced by substitutes Yeshaya Lomotey and Sam Mendes as the Swans looked to freshen things up, quickly followed by Max Harper- Emersons introduction who replaced the injured Noakes.

Lomotey looked quick and was soon felled on the edge of the box, but Mendes hit the free kick just wide.

As the Swans pushed for the equaliser, Christien Turner was just wide with a shot after a good run by Payne.

Mahhloufi was cautioned for the hosts after a late challenge on Smith as Slimbridge threatened on several occasions, but it was Blackfields & Langley who held on to take a deserved three points.

Slimbridge: Edge, Payne, Noakes (Harper-Emerson 80), Dean Turner, Pring, Christien Turner, Dempsey, Smith, Hawes (Lomotey 75) Dunbar, Hands (Mendes 75)

Supporters man-of-the-match: Luke Payne.