Slimbridge's away day struggles continue with defeat at Hereford Pegasus

Slimbridge couldn’t end Hereford Pegasus’ home unbeaten run as they fell to a 4-1 defeat to the Hellenic League Premier leaders at The KGD Stadium on Monday, writes Sam Yapp.

After a strong start to the game Pegasus were rewarded with the lead on 29 minutes when Isaac Cooper placed his free kick right in the top corner.

With the Swans growing into the game the second goal was vital and it came Pegasus’ way on 75 minutes when Carlos Moreira reacted quickest to an Olly Phillips parried save to head home.

Pegasus found their flow and their third on 81 minutes when Moreira was slipped through on goal before squaring it to Cooper who calmly brushed home his second of the game.

Four minutes later the Swans deservedly found the net after their early second half dominance when Jack Smith picked out the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

But Pegasus regained their three goal advantage in the second minute of additional time when Jacob Rodgers turned a Moreira low shot into his own net.

The Swans suffered their first defeat in five trips to Hereford and have now only managed to win one of their first four away games this season.

Pegasus’ home unbeaten start to the season continues winning their fourth straight at the KGD and opened a four point cushion at the top of the league on chasers Corsham Town, although Pegasus have now played as many as three more games than the chasing pack.

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The hosts did have earlier chances to take the lead inside the opening 20 minutes when Cooper struck the post from close range before Sam Rawling headed just over moments later.

The Swans best spell in the game came in the opening stages of the second period while still being 1-0 down as they peppered the Pegasus goal starting with a Liam Harper distance effort which tested Jensen Kilroy.

Substitute Archie Myatt bought fresh drive to the Swans attack and almost had his side level on 68 minutes but rattled the post from an angle following a well picked out Smith cross.

A minute later Shiyak Sutherland found himself through on goal, but his low effort was deflected just past the post before Smith curled over from the resulting corner.

Slimbridge will look to bounce back as they return to Thornhill Park to take on Mangotsfield United on Saturday afternoon, whilst Pegasus will be looking to maintain their lead at the top when they travel to struggling Cirencester Town this weekend.

Hereford Pegasus: Kilroy (GK), James, Fletcher © (Thompson 87’), Kahaki (Cuthbertson 62’), Rawlings, Briscoe, Iddles (Price 83’), Burgess, Cooper (Hipwell 90+3’), Williamson, Moreira

Unused Subs: Gwynne (GK)

Slimbridge: Phillips (GK), Hunt, Rodgers, Hands (Welch 79’), Evans (Hawes 79’), Hitchings ©, Dark (Myatt 62’), Blackie (Soule 86’), Harper, Smith, Sutherland

Unused Subs: Deakin

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Sam Blackie (Slimbridge)