JAMIE MARTIN scored a brace as Slimbridge secured the County League title in style.
It wasn’t a comfortable afternoon for James Cole’s men though, who looked jaded at times as a result of their extra-time defeat in the GFA Challenge Trophy final just two days earlier, and there were signs of nerves as they searched for the point they needed.
Tuffley had the better chances before Martin gave Slimbridge the lead just before half-time and were well in the game until Will Wellon scored the second to ease the tension on 65 minutes.
Playing with more freedom, Martin scored his second and Lewis Wilton added the fourth as the Swans eventually ran out comfortable winners.
Tuffley went close on 20 minutes when Stuart Griffiths fired over with just Ryan Chandler to beat after a defence-splitting pass by the impressive Warren Mann.
Slimbridge finally threatened the visitors goal on 41 minutes when Marvyn Robert’s turn and shot went wide as Tuffley failed to deal with Martin’s high ball.
The home side broke the deadlock three minutes later when Marc Roffe found Martin inside the box, and the winger skipped past two challenges before firing low into the bottom corner.
In stoppage time, the unmarked Rob Cook headed over from about eight yards from Griffiths’ corner.
Tuffley pressed early in the second half as Mann had an effort well saved by Chandler’s legs and Tom Cole cleared Bradley’s shot off the line after Griffiths’ corner caused mayhem in the box.
Griffiths broke the offside trap from Mann’s through ball but Chandler made a great diving save to keep out his fierce drive from 20 yards.
Slimbridge then breathed a sigh of relief as Roberts pulled the ball back to Wellon to slot home from 12 yards.
On 71 minutes Ade Ryan made a great one-handed save to keep out Wilton’s effort from ten yards. From the following Fred Ward corner, Martin showed great desire to get to the ball first and toe-poke into the net.
Slimbridge wrapped it up on 78 minutes when Ward’s ball over the top found Wilton, his attempted cross was blocked before he smashed in from ten yards.
They could have even scored more before the final whistle sparked celebrations of yet another promotion for the Wisloe Road club.
Slimbridge: Chandler, Roffe, Wellon, Inch, Preece, Ward, C Cole, T Cole (J Cole, 75), Roberts © (Badham, 67), Martin, Wilton. Sub not used: Sterling.
Gazette star man: Jamie Martin.
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