Sholing 3-1 Slimbridge

Slimbridge dominated much of the first half and if it wasn’t for the heroics of home goalkeeper Ryan Gosney, they would have have put the game to bed by half-time, writes Rob Peck.

Slimbridge took the lead on seven minutes, James Spruce burst into the box and was fouled just as he was about to shoot and awarded a penalty, Jack Horrell stepped up and sent Gosney the wrong way.

Ryan Beckinsale hit a 25 yard shot heading just inside the post but again Gosney was there to push the ball around the post to deny the visitors. Two minutes later Beckinsale launched a shot over the bar after a great team move from the middle of the park.

It was then Rhys Sarson’s turn to test the home keeper, firing a shot destined for the top corner from just outside the box however Gosney somehow got his hand to the ball and tipped it over as the Swans dominated the play.

With just over 5 minutes of the first half remaining the Swans were lucky not to concede when Jake Hoole on the left found Lee Wort in space at the back post with a pin-point cross. Wort heading the ball against the post and out for a goal kick.

The second half was a completely different game, Sholing came out fired up with the Swans looking like a bunch of strangers on the pitch. An early home side free-kick from Alex Sawyer hit the wall as the visitors failed to get into their stride.

Another free-kick to the home side 30 yards out on 58 minutes was struck under the wall taking a deflection in the box for Stuart Green to tap into the net past Lewis Adams. With Slimbridge trying to hit the home side on the break with long balls forward, Spruce escaped down the right into space but his effort hit the side netting.

With 15 minutes remaining Sawyer’s shot from outside of the box flew over Adams crossbar before Beckinsale’s shot fizzed wide from the edge of the box at the other end. With four minutes remaining Sholing took the lead Wort fired a cross from the right wing into the path of Bradley Targett who made no mistake from 15 yards, striking the ball just inside the post out of Adams reach.

To compound a miserable second half for the visitors in injury time, Adams chased the ball as it was being played around the inside of the box by the opposition and was judged to have bundled an opponent over while try to get to the ball. The referee awarding a penalty which was duly dispatched by Daniel Mason.

Slimbridge must now regroup for a busy week at Thornhill Park where they entertain Larkhall Athletic on Wednesday evening and then Cirencester Town next Saturday.

Slimbridge: Adams, Nexbeth, Peck, Ford, White, C Turner, Horrell (King 74), M Turner, Sarson, Beckinsale (Martin 89), Spruce (Tuodolo 83)

Unused subs: Pring, Maye

Attendance: 81