Slimbridge AFC’s incredible season continues as the team head into the final 10 games of the season.
The Swans currently sit third in the league just four points off top with four games in hand. First team joint manager, Tom Deakin is surprised by just how prolific the Swans have been this season: “I can’t lie, the season has been above expectation, in preseason we managed to get in pretty much all of our targets and then as the season’s gone on, we had a great start and the momentum just carried on and it kept going.”
With just ten games left of the season full focus is on securing playoffs for the side.
“We’ve had a couple of really good performances; the last four games have all been good solid performances across the board.
“When we’re playing like we do it’s hard for teams to stop us.”
The Swans dream season was dealt a blow over the weekend after they were knocked out of the semi- final of the Challenge Cup by Droitwich Spa. Despite having a one goal lead the Swans crashed out eventually losing 4-1 after their goalkeeper, Steve Sarkodie was shown a straight red for denying a goal scoring opportunity. With no substitute goalkeeper Owen Giles was forced to play the final 20 minutes between the sticks.
“For 70 minutes I think there was only one team winning the game and then it’s all changed on a decision, we’ve got no real arguments about the penalty.”
Last season joint manager Michael Palmer was absent leaving Deakin with full managerial responsibility. Palmer returned to the management team this season giving the Gloucestershire side a big boost: “Bringing Mike in is a massive thing, he deserves a lot of credit this season, it’s been a real joint effort.
“It’s a great management team and that’s a key factor; Mike is definitely a key factor in why we’ve got to where we are.”
Changes on the pitch have also contributed to the club’s success so far in the Hellenic Premier Division with several standout performers. The pair of Jack Smiths up front are leading the goal scoring tally with Jack W Smith on 23 goals in 36 games and Jack Smith on 10 in 28. W Smith return to the club has made a big impact on the team: “Smithy coming back from Roman Glass last season, he’s a local lad and a great addition, the goals and the assists he’s provided have been brilliant.”
As well as the prolific form of the Smith’s up top Deakin feels everyone in the squad has played their part so far: “I could run off everyone in the squad really, everybody has had a goal or an assist to their name across the season.”
Team morale is at a high going into this crucial run of games: “There’s a buzz and we know that we’ve got 10 games to go till the end of the season and we’ve got to make the most of every single one.
“It’s a great group to work with, they’re brilliant on the pitch, they’re brilliant off the pitch and yes winning does help with that, we’ve got a twenty man squad and every week we have between 15 and 20 at training which shows how close they are.”
The Swans promotion charge continues on Saturday, with a trip to face Mangotsfield United, who sit 9th.
