Southern League West

Thatcham Town 0

Slimbridge 1

AFTER a tough season, Slimbridge beat Thatcham Town by a single goal in Berkshire, writes Rob Peck.

Considering the game had no bearing on the league finishing positions both teams went out to try and play football in rather windy conditions. Thatcham had an early chance - Gareth Thomas heading wide at the back post from a corner.

Mark Magee and Will Hawes looked sharp up front linking up well on 15 minutes, Magee’ strike cannoning back off the bar rebounding to himself but his second shot was blocked well by a home defender.

On 20 minutes the Swans took the lead, Hawes winning the ball on the right before pulling the ball back to Jamie Martin whose first time cross found Myron Turner just inside the box to fire into the net past a stranded Curtis Angel in goal.

Slimbridge continued to make chances, Christien Turner heading wide from a corner and Martin heading wide from Joe Noakes cross. Dan King then fed Hawes but his shot flew inches wide as the visitors were allowed to dictate the play.

Lewis Adams was forced into action with just over five minutes of the first half remaining a three on two attack found the Swans exposed at the back. Shane Cooper-Clark’s effort was save by Adams before saving again from the rebound this time Zindan Akers attempting to score.

A poor pass from Archie Brennan was intercepted by Ackers but Christien Turner was on hand to block the threat. On the stroke of half-time Martin found the side netting with a cross from the right.

Thatcham still looked a threat in the game, Akers on the right linking up with Cooper-Clarke, whose shot beat Adams however Brennan was on the line to clear the danger.

On the hour Mark Slimbridge started coming back into the game King's run from the right forced Angell into a good save as King tried to lift the ball over him. Martin got his head to the resulting corner only to see it sail over the bar. Moments later Martin delivered another great cross into the box Myron Turner heading wide.

With Thatcham still chasing a goal, Slimbridge started to sit back and allow the home side to play and we’re lucky not to concede when substitute Kyle Tooze picked up a loose ball from a Slimbridge corner running almost the full length of the field on the left however the final delivery cleared the bar.

Adams again was called into action saving with his feet from Ackers, before stopping Thomas’ header on the line from a corner kick in injury time.

Slimbridge: Adams, Brennan, Noakes, C Turner, Jackson, M Turner (Smith 85) D Turner, King, Magee, Hawes (Dunbar 68), Martin (Mendes 92).

Subs not used: Waddington

Supporters' Man-of-the-match: Dan King

SLIMBRIDGE are holding a charity game/ family fun day on Sunday, May 5, 1pm. 
A Slimbridge elite side will face a Chairman select side to raise funds for Net Patient Foundation - a cancer charity, which is close to the heart of the club  following the sad loss of Ruth Peck-Smith.