Slimbridge win Hellenic Premier title with come from behind victory at Tuffley
Jacob Rodgers’ 82nd minute effort saw Slimbridge come from 2-1 down to win 3-2, clinching the Hellenic Premier title in the process.
Trailing at the break thanks to goals from Harley Mustoe and Karnell Chambers, Slimbridge levelled through Alex Bell and with the news coming through that Droitwich Spa were trailing at home to Hereford Pegasus, the Swans knew a winner would see them crowned Champions.
Rodgers stepped up to fire home with just under ten minutes to go, with the Swans seeing out the game despite Owen Giles’ injury time second yellow card after stopping a Tuffley counter.
There were muted celebrations at full time due to Droitwich’s game still playing, but with them losing 5-3, the celebrations erupted soon after.
The Swans travelled in numbers, with their supporters soaking up the joy as the champagne corks popped.
Slimbridge will now head to Roman Glass next weekend before hosting Longlevens on the final day of the season as worthy champions.
For Tuffley, they played their role as party poopers perfectly, making their visitors work for everything in typical Rovers fashion.
Rovers go into their final two games (home vs Hallen and away to Cinderford) knowing they are still on course for a top ten finish.
Rovers made a blistering start and took the lead on 23 seconds after Harley Mustoe turned home following his initial being blocked and falling for him.
Kieran Alder had a free kick saved by Alex Hammond as Rovers looked to get an early double, but on 10 minutes, it was all square.
A free kick was swung in from wide left and Captain Charlie Hitchings rose highest at the back post to head back across goal and in.
But credit Tuffley, they continued to break well and should have regained the lead when Chambers and Alder combined well, before the former fired wide when in on goal.
On 25 minutes, Chambers raced through again and this time slotted past Hammond to restore his side’s lead and see the nerves come back into the visitors.
Slimbridge lost bost Kian Kang and Sam Blackie to injuries in the first 40 minutes, with substitute Joe Stokes and Jack W Smith both firing wide before the break.
Soon after the break, Shiyak Sutherland was withdrawn after seemingly pull up with a calf problem in the first half, but it didn’t take long for parity to be restored.
It was only just over 10 minutes into the second half when a ball in was kept alive by Jack W Smith on the byline and Alex Bell was on hand to prod home from close range.
Rodgers replaced Joe Shutt on 64 minutes after Shutt had an effort saved by Anton Robinson. Rodgers’ 25 minutes or so would be one hell of a cameo.
Rodgers came within inches of turning home a Jack W Smith ball across goal. before combining well down the left with Charlie Mathews, before drilling across the box himself.
And on 82 minutes, a cross into the Rovers box just wasn’t dealt with and after Robinson made a great first stop from Olly Sully, Rodgers slotted home the rebound the send Slimbridge on their way.
Tuffley continued to push hard and look to counter at pace and in the 6th minute of added time, when Rovers were 4 vs 3 on the break, Owen Giles had no chance to trip his man and receive a second yellow.
In the end, Slimbridge saw the game out fairly comfortably and after a 5 minute or so wait for reassurance at full time, they could begin celebrating a return to the Southern League as Champions.
There were question marks in the summer if a 4-man Management Team would work, but credit to Tom Deakin, Michael Palmer, Ben Powell and Sam Prior, they identified their roles as individuals within the team and have produced a sensational season.
The Swans can now plan for life back at Step 4.
Tuffley Rovers:Robinson, Lewis, Clifford, Simpson, Kelly, McGuirk, Warrington, Alder, Chambers, Mason, Mustoe
Subs: Sanniola, Bevan, McLean, Creed, Mann
Slimbridge: Hammond, Bell, Mathews, Kang, Hitchings, Giles, Shutt, Blackie, J Smith, J W Smith, Sutherland
Subs: Rodgers, Stokes, Ponting, Sully, Barnes
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Jacob Rodgers (Slimbridge)
READ MORE: Check out the list of results in and around Gloucestershire this Easter Monday right here
READ MORE: Submit your nominations in the Severn Sport End of Season Awards 2026 by clicking here
