Winchester City 6

Slimbridge 1

THIS was a day to forget for Slimbridge as they went down 6-1 to a very good Winchester City side, who now have their eye on a play-off spot, writes Rob Peck.

Slimbridge started well enough and took the lead on 13 minutes when good work by Dan King enabled Mark Magee to fire past Ryan Pryce in the home goal.

The Swans continued to press the home defence and a stunning volley from King was superbly pushed round for a corner by Pryce.

Disaster struck for the visitors on 25 minutes when a lack of discipline from the experienced Jamie Martin cost his team dear. After already being cautioned for a earlier foul he committed the ultimate sin by putting in another silly challenge and after a long discussion with referee Martin Underhay, he was shown a second yellow card.

This gave the home side impetus and within two minutes they were 2-1 up. First, Oli Bailey was allowed to run through a static defence to fire past Adams and a minute later Simba Mlambo scored with a shot from close in after a scramble.

Now the home side's tails were up and five minutes later is was 3-1 as a harshly awarded penalty for hand ball was converted by Jamie Barron. It was 4-1 a minute before the break as Josh Harfield scored from 10 yards to give Winchester a comfortable half-time lead.

In a highly forgettable second period, which was spoilt by ferocious winds, the Swans had keeper Lewis Adams to thank for keeping the score down with three outstanding saves. Winchester also hit the woodwork on two occasions, but credit must go to the Swans for battling away against the elements.

Mlambo and Ik Hill completed the scoring for a rampant home side.

The Swans must now regroup for the visit of Melksham Town on Saturday.

Slimbridge: Adams, M Turner, Noakes, Richards, C Turner, Smith(Small 76), D Turner, Hawes(Dunbar 76), Martin, Magee, King.

Unused Sub: Brown

Supporters' Man-of-the-Match: Lewis Adams.

Attendance: 142.