FA Cup first qualifying round

Slimbridge 3-0 Bedfont Sports

SLIMBRIDGE progressed through the FA Cup First Qualifying Round with a comfortable victory against their Combined Counties League opponents at Thornhill Park to set up a trip to Southern League Division One Central side Fleet Town on September 3.

Two first half goals from Jack Twyman put Slimbridge in control of the tie, and after Sean Lawson had extended the lead seven minutes into the second period, the game petered out to a fairly tame ending, but the Swans will have no complaints as they moved into the next round.

The first goal on ten minutes was the first of some very impressive play as Slimbridge moved the ball around very neatly - Johnny Cant’s cross was flicked on at the near post by Sean Lawson, and Jack Twyman was on hand to sweep the ball home to start the scoring.

The Swans should have doubled their lead seven minutes later, but Lawson and Ryan Thwaite’s good work could not be converted by Ed Major about a yard out.

On the half hour though, Slimbridge notched their second - Adam Mace and Lawson combined well to create another opportunity, and Tywman finished off the move well to record his second of the afternoon.

Bedfont then had by far their best period up to the break, with Simo Mbouiwi seeing his header come back into play off the Slimbridge post, before Connor Moddy saw his header drift just the wrong side of the post as the visitors pressed to try and get back into the game.

Slimbridge were still creating chances though, and Ed Major’s lob was unluckily held up by the wind, and then Archie Haskayne saw his effort blocked, before Paul Johnson brought a good stop from Swans’ Keeper Luke Merchant just before the half.

Seven minutes into the second half, the game was effectively over - Another superb Cant cross was headed back across the goal by Sean Lawson to record the Swans’ third.

Lawson was just off target ten minutes later, after more good interplay between Jack Oldham and Sam Turl had set him up, but his effort was wide.

Although Johnson, and then the lively substitute Gibbon Pasma went close for Bedfont, Slimbridge played the game out successfully to book a trip to Hampshire next month in the next round.

Prior to their next FA Cup tie, the Swans have two League encounters - Slimbridge are back at Thornhill Park next Saturday when Wantage Town are the visitors (3.00pm), before travelling to Bridgwater Town on Bank Holiday Monday (3.00pm).

Team: Merchant, Turl, Mace, Hoyle, Ryan Thwaite, Twyman, Haskayne, Oldham, Lawson, Cant, Major (Martin 59) Supporters Man of the Match: Jack Twyman