SWINDON Supermarine manager Dave Webb was pleased to see his side battle for their 2-0 win at home to Slimbridge last night.

Things had looked on course for the hosts against the Southern League South and West strugglers during a scrappy first half when Connor Waldon found the net with an acrobatic effort in the box after 37 minutes.

However, Joe Shephard was shown a straight red for an alleged stamp on Sam Turl just before half time, while the Slimbridge player was on the floor and appeared to have a hold of the Marine player’s leg.

Webb’s side were able to re-group at the break and were hardly troubled in the second period as Waldon netted his second from the edge of the penalty box on the turn just after the hour-mark to secure all three points.

“It was always about trying to get that win and get to 10 games unbeaten and that’s what we set out to do,” said Webb.

“Six of our next seven fixtures, we play teams who are all in and around the top of the league so we knew tonight was really important to get three points.

“We got there. We’ve lost Joe Shepherd right on half time to a straight red card and lots of yellows being branded through the game.

“I don’t understand sometimes. To me it is quite a simple game. The officials have got a difficult job, don’t get me wrong, but there wasn’t a bad challenge in the whole game.

“When I played, the best referees were the ones you didn’t really see and they managed the game and for me it was needless, some of the things that went on tonight.

“We’ve managed to play the second half with 10 men, continued with three at the back, and I thought the defence again was superb.

“I thought Ryan Morgan tonight was probably our outstanding player, I thought his distribution and defending was good and he was back to his very best tonight.”

Waldon was not due to start the game but an ankle injury to Ryan Campbell during the warm-up saw the former Swindon Town scholar thrown into the action and Webb is pleased with his contribution, having netted three times in the last two outings.

“I’m pleased for Connor, he is a goal scorer and he wants to score goals,” he added.

“I back him all the way and believe in what he is and what he can be and I just need to work with him on the things we feel he needs to improve on.

“His first goal shows what he is all about and his second is another good finish.”

Meanwhile, Fairford Town are through to the semi-final of the Challenge Trophy courtesy of a 3-2 win at home to Chipping Sodbury Town.

Two Josh Morse penalties saw the hosts through after Jason Milhench had levelled proceedings in the first half.