Football: Dan is the man to win it for Slimbridge (From Gazette Series)

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division: Abingdon Town 0 Slimbridge 1

11:56am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Gloucestershire Sport

DAN HOLLOWAY’S second half strike at Abingdon on Tuesday night lifted Slimbridge up to fourth in the table.

The Swans were on top in the first 15 minutes and a 20-yard shot from Junior Maderner was well held by goalkeeper Gareth Walker. Dean Bernard and Maderner then combined well to set up Holloway, who shot weakly when well placed eight yards out.

A mistake by defender Jess Mortimer let in Holloway, but his chip went wide and Chris Fower had a shot saved by Walker. A Will Wellon free kick found Maderner, who turned and shot, but it was well saved by Walker and Holloway’s corner was headed just over by Tom Speers as the Swans were unable to break through despite being well on top. Abingdon’s Gavin Jones was lucky to escape with a yellow for two-footed lunge on Tom Cole early in the second half.

Maderner put Fower through on goal, but his shot was just wide but Slimbridge finally took the lead on 64 minutes.

Holloway played a one-two with Fower and shot well past Walker. Substitute Jamie Martin then hit the Abingdon bar from a corner by Nash, who had a shot well saved by Walker after being played through by Maderner. A Martin thunderbolt from a Karl Nash cross went just over and he drove another effort over after Jack Rutter through ball but Slimbridge had to settle for the one goal which was enough for the win.

* Slimbridge visit Ardley United on Saturday and are at home to Highworth Town next Tuesday (7.45pm).

* Slimbridge have applied to switch to the Toolstation Western League Premier Division next season.