SWINDON lost the last game of their West Clubs Premier Division 2A season 5-4 to a Hereford side battling for their league survival.

Hereford were highly motivated from the outset and Swindon were unable to cope with a high-pressure game, finding themselves 2-0 down after 15 minutes.

Eventually, Swindon started to compete equally and scored two quick goals to draw level.

The first came as a result of a long corner which released Adriana Boullosa, who skilfully rounded the goalkeeper to score, while the second came from Swindon’s influential captain Vicky Stokes, who deflected a cross into the roof of the Hereford net.

The half ended with a long break from Hereford, who converted a well-crafted chance to go into the break in front.

The second half became a mirror image of the first half, with Swindon coming under early pressure and allowing Hereford to take control. The home team were rewarded with two unanswered goals and led 5-2 with 10 minutes left in the game.

The mood of the home supporters soon changed, however, after Swindon crafted regular attacks on the Hereford goal and reaped the rewards when a sparkling finish by Rachel King and Boullosa’s second of the match reduced the arrears to a single goal with five minutes remaining.

Swindon had the upper hand in the dying moments but a wasted penalty corner and a near miss from a Stokes deflection saw Hereford claim the win which secured their league status for next season.

After a short break, Swindon will commence their summer league campaign. Information for new players can be found on the Swindon Hockey Club website.