WITH no game last weekend, Slimbridge players were treating themselves to a well deserved team day out at Chepstow races, ahead of participating in yet another milestone fixture for the Swans later this week.

On Tuesday, Slimbridge visit the Memorial Stadium to take on Bristol Rovers in the First Round of the GFA Senior Challenge Cup, a competition that, last season, saw The Swans put out a Cheltenham Town side in the Quarter Final, before bowing out to Bishops Cleeve in the Semi-Final.

In a season when their Wisloe Road ground was christened Thornhill Park to acknowledge a massive part of Slimbridge’s past, the current Swans' side have already made club history.

They played in front of over 2,300 fans at Hereford’s Edgar Street in September - and although the crowd on Tuesday will be nowhere near that figure, an opportunity to play at The Memorial Stadium is certainly another landmark in the football’s club’s progress.

‘We have probably more Bristol City fans than Rovers on the Committee, including our Secretary and Chairman,' said club spokesman Tim Blake, ‘and I know they are disappointed not to be going down to the Gate instead.

"But as a Gashead myself, this is going to be a memorable, wonderful evening - I’ve told them we will get City next season in this competition, so they can get their revenge on me!

"I know the Memorial Stadium very welI, and have a lot of friends who are involved at Rovers, so personally it will be great to catch up with them in a situation I’m not sure any of us could have envisioned!

"On a more serious note, what a reward for all the people who have put so much into the football club over the years, to see us competing at venues like this. It really is a massive tribute to everyone who has worked so hard for the club.

"File this one under another of the ‘Slimbridge games I never thought I’d see’!’ The game at the Memorial Stadium kicks off at 7.30pm on Tuesday, admission is £5, £1 concessions."

Slimbridge will be looking to build on their excellent start to the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Southa and West season on Saturday (December 10, 3pm) when Barnstaple Town visit Thornhill Park.