SWINDON suffered a potentially devastating blow to their GoCrea8 League Conference North promotion hopes as struggling visitors West Wilts grabbed a 2-1 triumph.

Ahead of games against second-placed Robinsons A on Saturday and a home appointment with leaders Penarth on Sunday, the home side were hoping to stay in touch with the division’s top three.

But against a visiting side that defied their lowly league position, Swindon were always on the back foot.

Wilts scored a goal in each half through James Baker and Mark Brothers, grabbing their chances when the opportunities arose from multiple Swindon errors.

Meanwhile, the home side were below-par across the pitch, in contrast to their performance in defeating Firebrands A in mid-January.

Swindon grabbed a consolation goal with four minutes to go, but left themselves a significant mountain to climb this weekend.

  • SWINDON Ladies remain in relegation danger in the West Clubs League Premier Division One after finishing on the end of a 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth.

The visitors started strongly, controlling the midfield through Linda Brouwers, but an error after eight minutes led to Bournemouth’s first goal.

Swindon remained in control and, after inventive play by midfielder Chloe Lewis, strong follow-up work from Angela Cooke allowed her to level from close range.

Bournemouth’s direct approach paid off before half-time, with two goals from breakaways and, as Swindon wasted their own opportunities, a fourth goal in the second period sealed their fate.

Defender Claire Sage, whose side host leaders Clifton 2 on Saturday, admitted: “This league is demanding, with each team pushing us hard, but we must keep our structure and positivity as we move ahead.’’