SWINDON men threw their slim hopes of promotion from Conference North away with a 5-3 defeat away at Team Bath Buccs B.

The visitors raced into a 3-1 lead at half-time thanks to a brace from Tom Lentchner and further goal from Henry Cheney, and were in total control after their best performance of the season.

However, from there they began to crumble and the goals came at pace in the second half, with Swindon 4-3 down less than 10 minutes after the restart as Bath converted all of their opportunities.

Swindon tried to battle back into the game but they conceded another goal late on to seal their fate and condemn them to another season without promotion.

Vice captain Tom Hunt said: “The first half showed what the team can achieve - we were in total control but the early goal in the second half has caused us to panic and lose our shape.

“Nothing should be taken away from the players, who have worked so hard this season. We will learn as a team and come back stronger next season.”

Swindon still have two fixtures remaining this season, starting at home to Devizes on Saturday.

n SWINDON ladies remain hot on the heels of Premier Division 2A leaders Newent after a 2-0 success at home to Jaspers.

The visitors’ direct style of play caused problems for the Swindon defence and Jaspers held most of the possession in the first half. Only the agile goalkeeping of Sarah Anstey and brave defending of Claire Tyas kept the score goalless.

Swindon started the second half with a re-invigorated approach, which saw them break the deadlock. Teenager Chloe Lewis latched onto a pass from Adrianna Bollousa and her reverse stick shot flew into the far corner.

Continued Swindon pressure forced a penalty corner and captain Gemma Scrase pounced on a rebounded save to double the lead.

Swindon vice-captain Linda Brouwers said: “The win was hard=earned - we showed we have strength to win tough games.”