Parker: “As a team it’s not good enough” as Swans suffer second straight defeat against Longlevens
Slimbridge goalkeeper, Ellis Parker, says his side collapsed disappointingly as Slimbridge were defeated 3-2 by Longlevens despite leading at half time on Saturday, writes Sam Yapp.
The Swans had a 1-nil heading into half time thanks to a Ben Hands 18-yard attempt but found themselves behind early in the second half.
Marley Thomas found an equaliser 10 minutes from time with a free kick attempt, but Joey Haswell instantly had Levens back ahead with a 20-yard wonder strike.
“It’s extremely disappointed because I thought we performed well first half but then second half it just capitulated.
“To concede two goes in the space of two or three minutes and in the manner, we did, again adds more frustration to us,” Parker said.
This was the second game running that the Swans had led 1-nil and ended up on the losing side following their 2-1 defeat to Lydney Town last Saturday.
The Swans had the chance to stay within touching distance of the playoff positions but following Saturdays collapse now sit 10 points off them.
“It was not good enough from us as a team.
“We should not be dropping points in that manner,” Parker said.
A bad end to an already disappointing year for the Swans having suffered relegation from the Southern League back at the beginning of the year.
The Swans were hoping to bounce back almost instantly after dropping back into the Hellenic League after a decade away, but Parker knows they are some way off that dream.
“It has been a disappointing year, firstly dropping out of the Southern League and then have we pushed on at the start of the Hellenic League season, probably not.
“We have only got ourselves to look and hopefully next year we can start pushing and picking up some points,” he said.
And the Swans will have the perfect time to kick start the new year as they travel to Hereford Pegasus on New Year’s day for their Hellenic League Premier clash.
Parker believes his side can bounce back but knows it will be struggle as the Swans look to have suffered some small injury problems.
“We have a few lads that are struggling injury wise, but we will go there and give it all that we’ve got.
“Hopefully it’s a better start to the year then it ended this year,” he said.
2024 will be a fresh start for many teams with Slimbridge up there with most as they look to build some momentum on their hunt for promotion back to the Southern League.
It is no secret that is where the club want to be, but Parker assures it won’t be the easiest task getting out of the most competitive Hellenic League we have seen in recent times.
“Obviously we want to get back into the Southern League.
“It isn’t the easiest thing to do with the competitiveness of the league this season.
“The infostructure that the club has, the fan base, people who run the club, it’s where we belong,” he said
Slimbridge travel to Hereford Pegasus on New Year’s Day ahead of their Hellenic League Premier encounter with kick-off at 15:00
READ MORE: Check out the New Years Day fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
