Evo-Stik Southern, West League

Barnstaple Town 0 Slimbridge 3

SLIMBRIDGE manager Freddy Ward said that his side's performance was 'immense' as they took three points with a comfortable victory over Barnstaple Town in Devon on Saturday.

Goals from Marley Thomas and Adam Mace in the first half, topped off by a debut Southern League goal for Joe Wilton saw Slimbridge make their way back up the M5 with a real spring in their step ahead of Wednesday's clash with league leaders Taunton Town at Thornhill Park (7.45pm).

Keeper Ollie Hall also made a huge contribution to the win, saving a late Lloyd Gardner Penalty to maintain the visitor's advantage.

"I was so proud of the lads", Ward reflected afterwards. "The win was totally deserved, and to be honest we could have had six."

After an even start in dreadful conditions the deadlock was broken by the visitors with two quick goals around the half hour mark - firstly, in the 27th minute, Wilton set Marley Thomas in, and he made no mistake.

Five minutes later, Wilton again claimed an assist, as his initial effort was saved by Barnstaple Keeper Neal Osborne, but Mace was on hand to finish off the rebound.

The game was secured with 15 minutes remaining, when Wilton got the goal his play deserved to seal the points for the visitors.

A late penalty for Barnstaple saw the hosts with the chance to get on the scoresheet, but a combination of Ollie Hall and the Slimbridge crossbar kept Lloyd Gardner’s spot kick out, and it was a jubilant Swans side celebrating a crucial victory at the final whistle.

With 11 games gone, Slimbridge are able to look upwards rather than behind them as they are well clear of any relegation battle at this stage of the season, with the win moving the Swans up to ninth in the table, already 16 points clear of bottom side Bishops Cleeve.

Ward said: "To be two points off the play-offs at this stage of the season, for the size of our club compared to the other big hitters in the league, is a a massive achievement in itself."

Ward also paid tribute to the Slimbridge fans making one of the longest journeys of the season, saying: "They all deserve a special mention, me and the boys really appreciate their support."

Team: Hall, Turl, Mace, Thwaite, Hoyle, Turner, Twyman, Birkett, Wilton, Harper-Emerson, Thomas Supporters Man of the Match: Joe Wilton