Slimbridge 2-4 Melksham Town

PHIL ORMROD bagged a hat-trick as Melksham got the better of promotion rivals Slimbridge, writes Rob Peck.

Ormrod opened the scoring on four minutes and against the run of play the visitors extended their lead six minutes later, Swans' defender Christien Turner headed the ball clear from inside the box, but it fell to Jake Mawford, who slotted past Adams from 15 yards.

Slimbridge continued to have most of the first half possession- Mike Ford’s long range effort fell wide and then Myron Turner fired James Spruce’s cross straight at keeper Jamie Bartlett.

Myron Turner had the best effort for the home side picking up Dion Chambers pass, but his shot was easily saved by Bartlett on the half hour.

In the second-half, Ormrod’s early header hit the stanchion from a free-kick on the edge of the Slimbridge box.

The game came alive in the 64th minute, substitute Dean Turner hit a great strike from 25 yards out, but Bartlett did well to tip his goal bound shot over the bar. Two minutes later the Swans were awarded a penalty when Sol Wanjau-Smith was brought down as he cut into the box from the left. Melksham’s Josh Ford was booked for delaying the taking of the kick which was expertly dispatched by Wanjau-Smith straight down the middle.

Three minutes later Wanjau-Smith cut in again from the left wing and this time was tripped by Ford giving away a second penalty, Ford received a second booking resulting in a red card. Wanjau-Smith duly stepped up and scored to bring the scores level.

Slimbridge continued to play well and push forward, substitute Jamie Martin was unlucky not to give the home side a deserved lead with just over 10 minutes remaining his shot towards the far post from the right falling inches wide. A couple of minutes later Adams pulled off a close range save from Steven Murray to keep the scores level.

However, the Swans fell behind again with four minutes remaining, Ormrod heading in a long cross from the right at the far post. In injury time Ormrod completed his hat-trick robbing the ball from Joel White on the edge of the box and slotting it past Adams.

A final chance to Slimbridge saw James Spruce hit the outside of the post with a 20 yard shot from the right.

The Swans travel to Mangotsfield United where they meet for the third time this season, the Swans winning the previous two encounters.

Slimbridge: Adams, Nesbeth, Peck, Ford (Sarson 67), White, C Turner, Spruce, Chambers (D Turner 59 (Martin 74)), M Turner, Price, Wanjau-Smith

Unused Subs: Jones, Horrell

Supporters' man-of-the-match: Sol Wanjau-Smith