SLIMBRIDGE maintained their second-placed position in the table behind leaders Marlow with a comfortable win over Highmoor Ibis.

Two first half goals from Dan Holloway put Slimbridge firmly in control and second period strikes from Saul Williams and Chris Fower sealed a comfortable win for the home side.

Highmoor started the brighter side, with Shane Small-King at the heart of many of their best moves all afternoon. His neat pass forced Evans into a save at the feet of Anthony Alleyne with just two minutes on the clock, and then Small-King himself went close with a free kick.

As the hosts settled, Saul Williams started to flourish and he proved instrumental in the first goal of the game. His pinpoint cross found Holloway, who finished in style to put the home side ahead on 15 minutes.

Slimbridge had another good chance when Fred Ward’s cross was headed onto the Highmoor bar by Niall Halford, who enjoyed a very impressive debut after signing from Lydney. The second goal, although well deserved on the balance of play, came about as a result of a stroke of luck for the home side.

Dan Smith slipped as he went to take a goal kick for Highmoor, and Holloway found himself with the ball at his feet through on goal. Although Smith made a good block from the first effort, Holloway followed up well and doubled his tally.

Holloway had a further chance to record his hat-trick before the half, but Smith saved well.

The first minute of the second half decided the outcome of the game as Small-King’s free kick hit the bar and post.

Holloway continued to press for his third goal, and was unlucky when Smith again thwarted him with yet another good save on 53 minutes.

Just before the hour, Slimbridge had a penalty shout turned down. Holloway was brought down and the linesman signalled a penalty, but he was overruled by referee Ollie Ballinger, who saw no infringement and play continued.

However, one minute later Slimbridge scored their third. Harding split the Highmoor defence with a precise pass, and Williams remained cool when one-on-one to slot past Smith.

On 72 minutes, Slimbridge scored their fourth. Williams this time turned provider, playing in Chris Fower, whose neat lob over Smith gave the scoreline a more realistic look.

Slimbridge: Evans, Anson, Njoya, Wellon, Halford (Sterling 74), Bennett, Harding, Ward, Higgs (Fower 60), Williams, Holloway (Gates 64) Goals: Holloway 15, 40 Williams 60, Fower 72 Man Of The Match: Saul Williams.

* Slimbridge’s Floodlit Cup match at home to Newbury on Tuesday night was postponed after the visitors were stuck in traffic following a motorway crash.

The Swans visit Flackwell Heath on Saturday and are at home to Abingdon Town next Tuesday (7.45pm).