SWINDON inched closer to securing their Premiership status after claiming a priceless 3-1 victory over visitors Whitchurch A on Sunday.

Although the Isambard side were hammered by Bristol Uni on Saturday they bounced back with a priceless three points 24 hours later.

That means that this Saturday’s home clash with fellow strugglers ECV Hornets has huge significance as the relegation line separates the two teams.

Against Whitchurch, Tom Gillingham put the home side ahead minutes into the game with a superb deflection.

However, the lead did not last long as a Cardiff striker made the most of poor defending to beat goalkeeper Alan Gough at the third attempt.

With half-time looming, Luke Cejer scored one of Swindon’s goals of the season when he sent an unstoppable shot in off the crossbar.

The hosts made hard work of the second half but with five minutes remaining, Tom Wickens made sure of victory with a well-taken effort.

On Saturday, Swindon were 3-0 down at the break against Bristol Uni and conceded on five more occasions, with Gillingham grabbing Swindon’s consolation.

North Wilts had their lead at the top of East Central 1 cut to four points despite a 5-2 victory at home to Swindon B on Saturday.

Second-placed City of Bath A were able to haul in their rivals courtesy of two victories at the weekend.

Swindon B took the lead against North Wilts after profiting from a mix-up in defence.

North got back on level terms when Jim Towers found Colin Fisher and he powered up the field before passing to Damo Holland, who finished calmly.

Darren Hillier put the hosts in front with a superb strike, before another shot by the same man was deflected home by a visiting stick, making it 3-1 at half time.

Following the resumption, North extended their lead through Max Bartholomew, who scored with a reverse stick strike following an exquisite pass from central midfielder Matt Evans.

Swindon bagged a second but Bartholomew completed his brace with a delicate chip following good work by Hillier down the right.

North face Wootton Bassett A and Bath Buccs F on Sunday, with victories in both these games assuring the Dorcan side of the league title and promotion, regardless of results elsewhere.

Wootton Bassett’s first team lost 4-1 against Team Bath Buccs E in Central 2.

In East Central 2, North Wilts A were thumped 10-1 by City of Bath C. They were 6-0 down at half-time and the onslaught continued after the interval.

North Wilts A got their consolation goal when Kiran Momi’s powerful effort was deflected home by Matthew Burgess.