However, the difference between the two clubs is only four points, and the Swans have two games in hand, so the end of the season is sure to be a rollercoaster. 

In truth, it was not a pretty game to watch, but Slimbridge will pick themselves up and go again at Hereford Pegasus on Saturday. There will be plenty of other twists to come next month as four teams battle for the top spot and try to avoid a play off scenario, however, with Slimbridge still to host Droitwich Spa (2nd), visit Roman Glass St.George (3rd) and host Corsham Town (4th) the outcome of their season is still very definitely in their own hands. 

It was not a game for the purist - early exchanges between the sides were messy, with Ollie Barnes being pulled back on ten minutes for what Swans fans saw a certain penalty denied by Referee Lewis Cook. 

Two minutes later, what proved to be the deciding act occurred - Jordan Murphy's superb turn and shot in the Slimbridge box saw the visitors take the lead. 

The game swung from end to end - Toby Soule was too high for the hosts on 16 minutes, while Nigel Hinkulow's header five minutes later for Raiders brought a great save from Steve Sarkodie in the slim bridge goal. 

After the Swans had properly settled, the chances started to arrive for the home side - Shiyak Sutherland had a good effort saved on 33 minutes, while just before the break, a goalmouth scramble that appeared to see Barnes fouled again in the Slimbridge box, but again, the Referee was unimpressed. 

Slimbridge had the better of the second period, but were unable to convert their efforts into goals - Sutherland was wide on 54 minutes as they pressed. 

But Raiders were still dangerous - Prince Henry brought another good stop from Sarkodie three minutes later, and drilled his rebounded shot into the side netting.

As the game developed into a slugfest, there were few further chances for either side as an ugly game played out - two free kicks for Slimbridge as the game edged into stoppage time saw Joey Stokes foiled twice with free kicks in good positions, and Joey Shutt skied the last chance for the home side to snatch a point. 

The Swans travel to Hereford Pegasus this Saturday (28th February, 3.00pm), before they return to Thornhill Park next Tuesday (March 3rd, 7.45pm) for another League encounter. 

Following Droitwich Spa's victory over Fairford Town yesterday in the UHL Challenge Cup, the Swans will now host Droitwich in the Semi Final on Saturday 7th March, 3.00pm Kick Off.

Team: Sarkodie, Mara (Hunt 77), Rodgers (Maryon 77), Kang, Hitchings, Haswell, Bell (Shutt 58), Soule (Stokes 53), Barnes (Mathews 77), Jack W Smith, Sutherland

Supporters Club Man of the Match: Tris Haswell