SWINDON Supermarine manager Dave Webb said it was imperative his troops did not suffer a third cup exit in as many games after they secured safe passage in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Marine were dumped out of the FA Cup 7-1 away at National League side Welling the previous weekend before their Southern League Challenge Cup quest ended on Wednesday in a 3-1 loss at Kidlington.

However, there was no sign of the South Marston side feeling sorry for themselves in the Trophy as they roared to an impressive 3-1 win away at Southern League Division One South & West rivals Slimbridge.

“It was important – it’s the FA Trophy, so a big competition,” said Webb.

“Obviously we had a heavy defeat last weekend and one that was a bit of a shock to everyone. We worked on a lot of things in training on Thursday and put that into practice.

“Slimbridge away is never an easy game but I am just really pleased that we have progressed to the next round – it was vitally important that we did that.

“It was a good performance. We scored three good goals and it was exactly the sort of reaction you’d want to a heavy defeat.

“I think we play Taunton away now in the next round, which is a very tough game, but at least we have got the opportunity to go down there and have a go at them.

“It’s exactly what we needed after a midweek loss as well. It was a good reaction and the performance was very good.”

Brad Hooper gave Marine a half-time lead from the penalty spot in Gloucestershire after Callum Parsons was felled in the box.

The visitors made it 2-0 early in the second period when Josh Parsons saw an effort deflect off a defender and into the back of the net.

Sean Lawson pulled a goal back for Slimbridge to set up a nervy final 15 minutes but Marine made the result safe in the closing stages when George Reid restored their two-goal advantage.

Webb had targeted an improved defensive display from his side after shipping 10 goals in the previous two games and although it was not perfect, he was delighted with the turnaround in form.

“I always want a clean sheet and it was just unfortunate as they threw bodies forward and it was a dubious decision whether he was offside or not, but the lad went through and finished it well,” said Webb.

“That made it 2-1 and there were still 15 minutes to go so we had to dig in and George Reid came off the bench and secured the win with a great header.

“Defensively, we were a lot better. We looked more organised and together as a unit and it’s pleasing for coaches to see something they worked on in training come to fruition in a game.”