Swans suffer playoff setback following Mangotsfield draw

Slimbridge’s playoff hopes took a hit as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw to Mangotsfield United at Thornhill Park on Wednesday night, writes Sam Yapp.

George Neill made United rue their missed chances on 26 minutes turning a Rudi McKinnon low cross past a hopeless Dom Oakes.

However, after plenty of missed opportunities, Stuart Tovey had United level on 54 minutes flicking a Will Ashton free kick past an on rushing Ellis Parker.

The Swans extended their unbeaten run to seven matches but now have to rely on results elsewhere to help their push for one of the final playoff spots.

United remained 13^th in the Hellenic League Premier with this result confirming they can finish no higher than 10^th.

It was United who had the first clear cut chance of the game on 18 minutes and should have been ahead when Mircea Ilea’s close ranged header flashed wide.

Moments later another United chance went begging when James White drove in to the Swans area but saw his effort fly just over the bar.

Parker produced a double save to stop United equalising on 29 minutes first blocking Jadyn Crosbie’s effort before getting down to deny Lewis Hutchinson’s follow up.

And United for a fourth time failed to hit the back of the net when Ashton drove into the Swans area before flashing an effort across the face of goal minutes from the break.

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Just two minutes into the second period it was the Swans turn to miss a big chance when Myron Turner somehow sent a rebounded effort wide from less than six yards out.

Michael Barry caused all sorts of problems for the Swans during the game and was denied a sniff at goal by a fantastic last ditched challenge by Nathan Dennis on 71 minutes.

Three minutes later Parker was needed for a double save again reacting superbly to a deflected Barry shot before getting up to block Crosbie’s follow up attempt.

Both sides had chances to win the game late on with the Swans first up to try their luck when Jack Smith saw his attempt clawed away by Oakes before Clayson fired the follow up over.

And deep into stoppage time Morris showed great skill to wriggle into the area before getting a low effort off which was stopped by a combination of post and Parker.

Slimbridge are back in action on Saturday for their final and most crucial game of the season as they welcome Royal Wootton Bassett to Thornhill Park.

Mangotsfield could have another say in the Swans playoff hopes as their next match sees them travel to playoff chasing Cinderford Town on Monday night.

Slimbridge: Parker (GK), Mara, Prictor, Turner © (72’), Dennis, Hitchings, McKinnon, Smith, Neill, Blackie, Sutherland (65’)

Subs: Mbunga, Tainton, Hands (72’), Morgan, Clayson (65’)

Mangotsfield United: Oakes (GK), Tovey (72’), Morris (85’), Barry, Bence, Hutchinson, Purnell © (65’), Ilea, Crosbie, White, Ashton (88’)

Subs: Ridler, Warren (72’), Barimah (65’), Boyer (88’), Nelson (85’)

C Martin Roofing Player of the Match – Ellis Parker (Slimbridge)