Mens 1's vs Firebrands A

The men's 1st XI made it five wins in six since Christmas with a grafting performance at a strong Firebrands team.

Swindon started slowly again, gifting the hosts an early lead. Alex Hynes had few options from the back and Firebrands turned the ball over before running the ball beyond keeper Alan Gough. Despite the setback, Swindon rallied well and earned themselves a string of short corners. The equaliser came as Jim Towers slipped the ball left for Chris Parsons, who found Luke Cejer in the middle of the circle with a pinpoint pass. Skipper Cejer turned and finished well, flicking the ball into the roof of the net.

Swindon gained more composure as the half wore on, but failed to grab the crucial second goal. The second half saw the visitors continue to press against a very well organised Firebrands team that merely lacked a cutting edge. The breakthrough came as Cejer fired a hopeful pass towards Henry Cheney. The ball was almost intercepted, however the defensive intervention caused the ball to drop kindly for Cheney, who walked the ball into the back of the net.

Having taken the lead for the first time, Swindon then collapsed in on themselves, inviting pressure from Firebrands. Veteran keeper Alan Gough rolled back the years yet again with a string of excellent saves. Eventually, struggling to clear, Swindon conceded a short corner, which was initially saved by Gough before a second attempt was smashed home.

Having conceded an equaliser, Swindon continued to try and absorb pressure with little cutting edge themselves. Gough continued to keep the visitors in the game with yet more textbook saves. With moments left, Swindon began to press forward again, Lewis Dyer stepping forward and helping the midfield. Parsons picked up the ball and played in Cheney, who had two efforts saved (when he perhaps should have passed!) Before Phil Scarisbrick took control and bundled the ball home for the winner.

With no time left on the clock, Swindon stole all three points, leaving Firebrands despondent. Captain Cejer described the win as hard earned, and commended his team for not giving up.

Next week we host Bridgend of Wales, a team we beat 4-2 when visiting them before Christmas, hungry to make it 6 wins in 7.

MOM: Alan Gough, veteran, hero, star.
DOD: Thomas Hunt, "Do you think it would hurt if I smashed this potato against my face?"