So, with Slimbridge looking to maintain their position at the top of the Hellenic Premier League as it moves into the final month of the season this game was never going to be simple. And so it proved as a game short on goalmouth incident pushed the Swans to their limit to grind out what may prove to be a priceless win. 

It took until the 65th minute for Slimbridge to break down a stubborn Thornbury team, and the fourth minute of stoppage before Joe Shutt put the game to bed. 

The result sees The Swans remain top of the League ahead of another crucial League game with Corsham Town at Thornhill Park on Tuesday (24th March, 7.45pm). 

The first half developed into a stalemate on the pitch which did not favour Slimbridge's neat passing game, and Thornbury exploited it to the full - Sam Moseley had the best of the home side's efforts with a couple of free kicks, while Slimbridge's best chance was an Alex Bell cross which took a bounce under the outstretched foot of Toby Soule with half an hour gone in what looked like what had to be a certain goal. 

Slimbridge were showing some promise though, and a quick clearance from Steve Sarkodie saw Jack W Smith turn his man and see his effort blocked, with the rebound being put wide by Kian Kang as the teams went in level at the break. 

The second half saw more of the same - and it took another 20 minutes before Slimbridge broke the deadlock. Toby Soule combined with Jack W Smith, and Smith's deflected effort fell into the path of Olly Sully, who volleyed the ball home past Thorns' Keeper Mackenzie Welch to put the visitors ahead.

Joe Shutt's effort that went off the Thornbury post on 75 minutes was the best opportunity to Slimbridge to increase their lead, while Thornbury saw a header wide from Callum Chalmers and a late Free Kick, which was blocked, from Moseley as the game entered stoppage time. 

Four minutes in, an attempted tackle from a Thorns defender ended up going in the wrong direction and coming back into play off the Thornbury crossbar, and Joe Shutt was on hand to hold off his man and bury the second to seal the Slimbridge victory. 

Slimbridge are back at Thornhill Park on Tuesday night when they entertain Corsham Town, before entertaining Cribbs a week today in another crucial clash at Thornhill. 

The Under 18 side booked their place in the HFA Giantkillers Cup Final when they defeated Longlevens Under 18s on Friday night at Thornhill Park.

They will play either Gloucester City or Cirencester Town in the final which is currently scheduled to be played at Hereford's Edgar Street ground. The final date and venue will be announced once the other finalists have been confirmed. 

James Tainton, a cracker from Joe Rowsell, and two goals from Theo Browne saw the Swans though in a very entertaining game. 

Team: Sarkodie, Mara, Mathews, Kang, Giles, Haswell, Bell (Shutt 55), Soule (Rodgers 75), Sully (Hawes 83), Jack W Smith, Sutherland

Supporters Club Man of the Match: Tris Haswell