Additional goals from Jack Smith, Raiyan Ahmed, and Leighton Blacker, along with a Stephen Sarkodie penalty save, ensured the Swans ended the night top of the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Slimbridge had the first chance of the game, when in the opening minutes a Jacob Rodgers cross deflected onto the Droitwich post by a defender.

Although the game then settled for the next 15 minutes, the Swans took the lead in the 17th minute as Jack W Smith netted his first of the evening. 

Charlie Mathews curled a pinpoint ball around the back of the home sides defence, leaving Jack W Smith bearing down on goal. The midfielder kept his cool and slotted the ball underneath the Droitwich keeper to open the scoring.

Just ten minutes later, W Smith doubled Slimbridge's lead. Pouncing on a defensive error, and with both a defender and goalkeeper closing him down, Jack found the bottom corner from just outside the box.

One change was made at the half-time interval, and it was the substitute Leighton Blacker who made an instant impact. Just three minutes into the second half, the winger beat his defender for pace before delivering a fierce cross into the box, which was headed in brilliantly by Jack Smith. 

W. Smith had an earlier chance to complete his hat-trick when he latched onto a Jack Smith through ball, his dink over the keeper was hit wide though.

Moments later, as the home side attempted to ramp up the pressure, they were awarded a penalty. 

Stephen Sarkodie, who had been faultless throughout the game, dived the right way and got a strong hand to a powerful, high effort, pulling off an incredible penalty save. 

Less than ten minutes later, W Smith did complete his hat-trick. A well-worked corner found the midfielder just outside the box, and he curled his shot around several bodies into the far corner, capping off three finishes of excellent quality. 

Three minutes on, substitute Raiyan Ahmed nearly added a fifth when he dashed through on goal, rounded the keeper, and saw his shot cleared off the line by a retreating defender. 

Ahmed wasn't to be denied for long, though. In the 80th minute, the attacker beat his marker, and struck from distance. A deflection took the ball over the Droitwich keeper to make it five.

The final goal of the game came from a Slimbridge corner. Ryan Ponting headed a second ball back across goal, and Leighton Blacker was on hand to tap it home.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable night for all the travelling supporters who, as always, were there in their numbers and made themselves heard. 

Up next is another away game for the first team this Saturday (23rd August) as they take on Lydney Town. 

As for the Slimbridge U18s, their scheduled pre-season friendly this Thursday (21st) has been called off, meaning their 4-0 win over Mangotsfield U18 on Monday was their final pre-season outing. 

Their next match will be the start of their competitive season in the FA Youth Cup, away at Frome Town U18 on the 4th of September. The venue for this fixture is yet to be announced.