SWINDON Ladies kept their slim hopes of a third-placed finish in Premier Division 2A of the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League alive after battling past Redlands to record a late 4-3 victory.

Swindon travelled to Bristol to face high-flying Redlands for the penultimate game of the season, and were pressed right from the off.

Lynsey Wall deflected an early Redlands effort off the line, but minutes later, the hosts were awarded a penalty corner and a crisp strike into the corner put the Bristol outfit in front.

Swindon hit back almost straight away as Chloe Lewis drew the attention of multiple Redlands defenders before finding an unmarked Victoria Stokes to slot home.

The Wiltshire side then went in front midway through the first half after Charlie Watson’s powerful strike squirmed through the home goalkeeper’s clutches.

Swindon were unable to hold onto their lead until the break, though, as an early cross was diverted home by an onrushing Redlands forward.

The lead changed hands once again shortly into the second half, before Swindon launched their heroic comeback with less than ten minutes to play.

Lewis converted from a penalty corner before the talismanic forward struck the game-winning goal in the dying moments, courtesy of a sweet reverse-stick strike.

Swindon 2nd pushed Wessex Division 1 title chasers Frome close before slipping to a 1-0 loss at home.

Meanwhile, Swindon men gave goalkeeper Alan Gough the perfect send-off on the final weekend of action in the Verde Recreo Hockey League, thanks to a comfortable 5-2 victory against Cheltenham A in the Championship.

Gough is to hang up his goalkeeping boots after 25 seasons in Swindon’s first team.

The club thanked ‘Goughy’ for everything and congratulated him on all of his hard work.

Swindon A were thumped 6-1 by Central 2 runners-up Bristol University B, with Callum Bird getting the beaten side’s sole goal.

Finally, Swindon B ended their title--winning campaign in East Central 2 with a 5-2 defeat away at Yate A.