“It’s only a start” says Deakin after Slimbridge continue great FA Vase run
Slimbridge Co-Manager Tom Deakin has praised his players for continuing their great start to the season, but reminds them that they will need to kick on in the New Year.
Joe Shutt scored the only goal of the game as the Swans beat Amesbury Town 1-0 to advance into the Fourth Round of the Vase for the first time since the 2006/07 season.
They will now head to Wessex League side Downton in January and following the game, Deakin praised his side for getting the job done in a tough game.
“I’m massively proud of the lads,” said Deakin. “We had a target of trying to be in the Vase going into the New Year and we’ve managed to do it.
The lads had to dig in, what was a very tricky physical game and stood up to it. We had to win a different way and it shows the lads mentality as a group to do so,” Deakin added.
The result is one of many highlights for Slimbridge this season, with the Swans currently in 2nd place in the Hellenic Premier table at the halfway stage of their season, only five points behind the leaders with a massive five games in hand.
Going into a crucial run of games before the Vase trip, Deakin reiterates that the Swans will need to keep working as hard as they have been so far this season if they are going to keep the momentum building.
“It’s been a great start to the season, but we know it’s only a start,” Deakin said. “We have got ourselves into a solid position and it’s down to us to keep this momentum going.
As a group on and off the field we are working hard to keep making things better. And the group of lads are a credit to themselves,” added the Swans Co-Manager.
Saturday’s win also saw more scenes on social media of Slimbridge’s supporters and committee celebrating the victory and enjoying seeing their side continue to make history and Deakin, who was part of the Management during their relegation from the Southern League, told us that he is delighted to see the supporters enjoying the good times currently at the club.
“It’s fantastic to see every game when we come off home or away we have that group supporting us. From the downs of last season to the positive position we are in they’ve always been there and a lot of the good is for them.
It’s great to have conversations with different people each week and how much they are enjoying the ride we are on,” said Deakin.
After a midweek cup game against Westfields, they will be looking ahead to games against Cinderford Town and Lydney Town to round off a memorable 2025, before kicking off their 2026 with games against Worcester Raiders and Royal Wootton Bassett Town and ahead of that run of games, Deakin says his side need to be prepared every game as they will be the side everyone will want to beat.
“Every game gets the same treatment. We prepare in the same way no matter who we play,” said Deakin.
“We know we have a target on us for where we are and how we are doing, so every game is going to be tough and we expect the games coming up to be no different,” added Deakin.
Slimbridge head to Cinderford Town in the Hellenic Premier on Saturday 20 December, kick off 15:00
READ MORE: Check out the list of Saturday’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
