SWINDON men closed the gap on Verde Recreo Championship leaders Swansea to one point at the weekend following a 4-3 victory away to Gloucester.

Off the back of wins over Cheltenham A, Firebrands A, Isca A and West Wilts, Swindon recorded another three points but had to work exceptionally hard against their relatively speaking local rivals.

Saturday’s game started promisingly for the visitors as they quickly established a one-goal lead – although Gloucester hit back with two efforts of their own to lead 2-1 by half-time.

The game’s high tempo remained a constant throughout the second half, and Swindon soon started to grind through the gears to re-establish their earlier foothold.

Tom Wickens stuck a well-worked goal to level, but Gloucester again showed great tenacity to re-take the lead just as it seemed Swindon had settled.

Officiating then impacted proceedings. Swindon had a goal disallowed before another scoring opportunity was called back for a penalty flick – which struck the post.

Still piling on the pressure, Gloucester started to struggle defensively. And pressure eventually told when James Young netted an equaliser before Dan Palomeque roofed the match-winning goal following Tom Goldsmith’s burst down the right.

Next week, third-placed Plymouth Marion make the long trip up to Wiltshire.

Meanwhile, Swindon Ladies’ encouraging Premier Division 2A campaign in the West Clubs Women’s League continued as they defeated struggling Redland 3-2 away from home.

On a muddy pitch, Swindon quickly got into their stride as Chloe Lewis capitalised on a strong pass from halfway line before proceeding to the D and lashing into the back of the net.

The visitors’ lead didn’t last long, though. Redland scored soon after the re-start to equalise almost immediately.

Lynsey Wall re-established Swindon’s lead before Lewis notched a second to seemingly secure the points.

Redland struck a late goal that proved only a consolation as Swindon remained two points clear of Clifton Robinson 3rd with eight games played.