ATTACKING midfielder Liam Orchard says he wants to ‘push on’ at Slimbridge after an encouraging start to the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West league season.

The former Bristol City Academy ace believes that the Swans can do ‘big things’ in the division despite the presence of powerful sides like Hereford and Salisbury.

Orchard scored the winner against Yate Town last Saturday when he raced onto a ball on the left and steered it past home keeper Kane Mannings in the second half.

Orchard said: “I am happy to be here. They are great lads, a great manager, good chairman and good fans. A couple of clubs came in for me (this summer) but I have kept my loyalty here at Slimbridge.

“I am happy and ready to push on and work hard and hopefully we can do big things.”

Competition up front in manager Leon Sterling’s side is pretty intense as well, with players taking up the challenge of getting on the scoresheet. Sean Lawson is one who has particularly stood out so far.

Orchard added: “We have attackers like Sean who has been banging in the goals so he is keeping us all on our toes. We are scoring goals so we can’t be happier than that.

“Sean and I scored a few in pre-season and we have set up a few as well so we are setting the pace.

“Full credit to the boys because they work their socks off and there is good communication within the side.”

He added: “I think it is going to be very tough this season with Hereford and Salisbury and perhaps we are in the mix to go down as we were last season but I believe we are not just a mid-table side but we can go higher.”