Sam’s Section: Swans welcome Levens whilst Rovers tackle Swindon in final games of 2023
As 2023 draws to a close there is still plenty of football to close out the year across Gloucestershire this weekend.
Christmas has been and gone and now we have been left with some unwanted horrid weather which, in midweek, took a host of festive fixtures away from us around the county.
But, with all fingers crossed, this weekend has a host of standout out meetings between somewhat local rivals all across the divisions.
Thornhill Park host its final game of the calendar year as Slimbridge welcome Longlevens for their Hellenic League Premier clash.
The Swans highly anticipated clash with Brimscombe & Thrupp fell victim to the weather on Wednesday so all eyes will be firmly focuses on another local rivalry meeting against Levens.
This is a game with something riding on it for both sides at different ends of the table with Slimbridge looking to close the gap on their playoff chase and Levens will look to move further away from the drop zone.
The Swans suffered a 2-1 defeat to Lydney Town last Saturday but that was their only defeat in their last six matches so Adam Coyle and Tom Deakin will be hoping their side can instantly bounce back.
However, Longlevens have lost all of their last four but will be hoping that a rivalry like this will their chances of coming away with some points.
If the weather plays nicely, you can follow my live updates of this game on Saturday 30th December (3PM KO) via @SJY_journo on ‘X’.
Up to League Two now as Troy Deeney is still searching for his first win as Forest Green Rovers manager as they take a short trip to face Swindon Town.
Boxing Day saw Rovers suffer a 4-2 defeat to Newport County after having been 2-0 ahead at half-time through an early own-goal and Matty Stevens’ sixth of the season.
But a red card to Callum Jones early in the second half made life difficult for Rovers who conceded three goals in the space of eight minutes.
However, it was yet another positive performance as Rovers heavily dominated the game until the sending off which ultimately changed the course of the game.
Could it be third time lucky for Deeney on the trip to a Swindon side who are struggling to find form after the fantastic start they made to the League Two season.
Forest Green Rovers travel to Swindon Town on Friday night for their League Two clash at The County Ground with kick-off at 7:45pm.
Follow Sam Yapp on Twitter @SJY_Journo for more
READ MORE: Check out the fixtures in and around Gloucestershire this Saturday right here
