For the fourth game on the bounce, Slimbridge went into half time in a losing position as Tom Chamberlain netted for the home side 30 seconds before the half time whistle blew.

The Swans needed yet another positive second-half response and, as the second period blew into action, Thomas scored his third of the season.

A strong defensive performance followed as both teams tried to take advantage of how open the game became, Ellis Parker was forced into making multiple brilliant saves as the Swans survived late pressure from the quick Fairford attack. 

The result was Slimbridge's second draw of their league campaign and has left them with 17 points from their opening 10 games back in the Hellenic Premier Division.

The opening 25 minutes of play petered out with very little chances for both teams, Fairford however, enjoyed the majority of possession and looked the most threatening going forward. 

Just before the half hour mark the Swans had their first serious chance in front of goal as Edji Mbunga found Theo Clayson rushing down the right side, the right back crossed a tempting ball in front of goal, but with both Myron Turner and new signing, Elliot Gardner, just inches away the ball went out for a goal kick.

Minutes later the Slimbridge defence almost gifted Fairford the lead as Charlie Hitchings' pass back to Parker sailed past the shot stopper and looked to be rolling into the back of the net before Bogdan Mara cleared it for a corner.

The next major highlight of the first half came just seconds before the stoppage as Chamberlain passed Mara and squeezed his effort, from a tight angle, past Parker and into the top corner.

The second half started just as the first did, with both teams struggling to create chances, Mbunga thought he had won the Swans a penalty before the referee awarded a free kick just outside of the area.

Kai Mahon then smashed a free kick into the cross bar and triggered the game into action as just minutes later, on a counter attack, Jamal Lawrence should've doubled their lead but, his close range shot was hit wide.

With 10 minutes left of the game, Ben Prictor lofted a ball across the park towards Mbunga who brought the ball down, and looked to round a Fairford defender before being brought down in the area and awarded a penalty, which was comfortably dispatched by Thomas. 

Attack after attack by both teams followed as each side looked to snatch a late winner. Fairford had the better chances to do so with a goal line scramble, somehow, not ending up in the back of the Swans' goal.

Parker was then called into action, saving several goal bound shots and ensuring Slimbridge left with a point for their efforts. 

After the game joint manager, Adam Coyle, said his side should be happy with the point.

"The first half we weren't at the races at all, in terms of the game, the result and chances created for both teams, I think we have to be happy with a point. Which I hate saying, because we always try and win every game."

Coyle also expressed how his side find themselves more on the front foot as winning games is always the priority.

"We ask a lot of our defenders, we are quite an open side, we want to win games. I won't apologise for that, it might be naive or a bit immature of us but we want to win football games.

"If that sometimes means we leave the back door open then so be it. I think overall this season it will work itself out that we will win more games than we lose by being on the front foot and more aggressive."

Up next for Slimbridge is Tuffley Rovers who travel to Thornhill Park on Saturday. 

The last competitive fixture between the two first teams came early last season as the Swans overcame their Gloucester rivals in the FA Cup.