Slimbridge recorded their first 6-0 away League victory since November 1^st, 2011 (when they triumphed by the same scoreline at Bracknell Town in their previous stint in the Hellenic League), with a dominant display that midfielder Ben Hands described as ‘a statement victory’ after the Swans had lost 3-2 to Longlevens in the return fixture at Thornhill Park over Christmas . The result moves Slimbridge up to fourth place in the Hellenic Premier League, and they remain in the Play Off Spots. 

After an even first half, with Slimbridge nudging ahead through Rudi McKinnon’s early penalty, the second half saw The Swans take control and after Charlie Hitchings had doubled the advantage early on, four goals from substitutes piled on the agony for the hosts, who crumbled late in the game. 

Speaking after the game, Hands said ‘It was something we said tonight in the changing rooms that we wanted to do, a statement victory after what they did to us back at Christmas time, so we felt we owed the fans and everyone here, all the players, coaches, we wanted a victory and a bit of revenge, especially in a local derby.

Slimbridge had the better of the early exchanges, with Ben Prictor and then Sam Blackie having efforts blocked, and were rewarded with 11 minutes on the clock when Nathan Dennis was felled in the Levens box by Shaun O’Conner, and Rudi McKinnon stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and put the visitors ahead. 

On 14 minutes, Jack Beardsell won a free kick on the edge of the Slimbridge box, but O’Connor’s effort was well saved by Slimbridge Keeper Ellis Parker. Beardsell then had another effort saved by Parker as the home side started to get into some kind of rhythym. 

After Shikak Sutherland had an effort off target for the home side, Sam Blackie had a free header opportunity just before the break, but his effort was saved by Levens Keeper Matt Wieczorek, and George Neill was unlucky to chase down a back pass, round the Keeper, but then take the ball too tight to convert as the sides went into the break. 

Neill and McKinnon were causing all sorts of problems for the Levens back line, and after McKinnon had another effort saved, it was to be a corner that resulted in the next goal. 

Charlie Hitchings saw his initial header blocked on 56 minutes, but followed up to convert his second goal for The Swans and put them in control of the game. 

Just before the hour, a dangerous break from the hosts saw a superb tackle from Ben Hands deny Harrison Iddles the opportunity to shoot when well placed. 

As Longlevens gained a little momentum, Parker made another stop from Shikak Sutherland, but, following a raft of substitutions from both sides, Slimbridge closed out the game in outstanding fashion. 

On 75 minutes, Hands’ though ball saw Marley Thomas beating the Levens offside trap, and he confidently drilled the ball past Wieczorek to make it three. 

Four minutes later, another substitute, Harrison Reeves was brought down in the box by Ollie Long, and picked himself to register the Swans’ fourth. 

Two further goals arrived in added time as the home side capitulated, two crosses into the Levens box both converted by Theo Clayson, in the first and second minutes of stoppage time, left Slimbridge celebrating an important victory with their fans and officials at the final whistle. 

Hands was delighted with the commitment of the team speaking after the final whistle – ‘First half it was ok, it’s difficult playing in these conditions, we couldn’t play the football we wanted to, but we were up against a team that always battles hard and makes it difficult, so the first half was really tough. At half time we were confident, we felt that if we kept going and worked harder, we’d get the result in the end and we were rewarded with the six goals, so it’s a positive.’

The Swans are at home against Champions-Elect Worcester City on Saturday at Thornhill Park, but Hands said that there was a positive attitude within the squad looking forward – ‘We can’t be any more confident going into the game, five wins on the bounce in the League in 2024, we put in a poor end to 2023 and wanted to put that behind us. 

Worcester City are flying, but it’s a game we’re going to go into full of confidence, and hope to get the three points and climb further into the Play Offs.’

Team: Parker, Turner (Mara 79), Proctor, Hands, Dennis, Hitchings, McKinnon (Thomas 63), Blackie, Neill, Smith (Reeves 69), Mbunga (Clayson 69)

Goals: McKinnon (Pen) 11, Hitchings 56, Thomas 75, Reeves (Pen) 79, Clayson 90+1, 90+2

Club President’s Man of the Match: Sam Blackie