Western League Premier Division

Slimbridge 2 Larkhall Athletic 3

THE second contest between these two sides in ten days was a far closer affair than the first when Larkhall ran out 4-1 winners, but ultimately, the destination of the points was the same.

In a thoroughly entertaining encounter, the Swans ran the visitors close, but ultimately, the class that has seen Larkhall collect over 100 points this season with this victory was enough to edge the match.

But Slimbridge can take great heart from the way they matched the runaway league champions for the 90 minutes.

The match started in explosive fashion for the home side. With 25 seconds on the clock Jamie Martin chased a through ball and lobbed Larks keeper Curtis Snoddy to put Slimbridge ahead.

Larkhall's resilience, though, could not be questioned, and Tyler Sibbick, scourge of the Swans at Plain Ham when he collected a hat-trick, pulled a goal back for the visitors on 18 minutes, before Jamie Lyon's free kick just before the half-hour sent Larkhall in ahead at the break.

Martin collected his second of the night with a penalty on 55 minutes, but parity lasted only ten minutes, when Sibbick again popped up to restore the advantage for Larkhall, recording his fifth goal against Slimbridge in under a fortnight.

Despite the best efforts of the home side, Larkhall controlled the final period of the match to pick up the points to the delight of their travelling fans.

Slimbridge: Gearon, Preece, Brown, Thwaite, Tunnicliff (Sterling 66), Ward, Turner (Cornock 82), Twyman, Martin, Fahy, Mace (Parrott 71).

Goals: Martin 1, 55.

Star man: Freddy Ward.