SLIMBRIDGE manager Leon Sterling said he was pleased with a fifth place finish in the Hellenic Premier League even though they led the table with just three games to go.

A defeat at fellow title-chasers at Highworth Town cost the Swans and Wantage won their final three games to clinch the title.

Slimbridge were then beaten at third-placed Ardley but they finished the campaign just four points behind the champions after beating Carterton in their final game.

Given time to reflect on the whole season, Sterling praised his players for the way they adapted to the step up after being promoted from Division One West.

“Overall it is pleasing to finish in the top six after coming up,” he said.

“With a week to go we were in the running for the title on the flip side so that was a bit of an anti-climax, but I cannot complain, the lads have done really well.”

Sterling took over at the helm last summer after being assistant James Cole, who won three consecutive league titles, and has ensured stability at the club.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” reflected Sterling on his first season in charge.”

“I wasn’t a new person coming in, the players knew me and I was able to maintain what James Cole started.

“We wanted to keep the continuity and see whether they could compete in the division.

“Me and (assistant) Fred Ward were always confident we could finish in the top ten and we over achieved on that.”