Larkhall Athletic defender Charlie Ames admitted his team were left to rue their missed chances in their 3-1 home defeat to Slimbridge on Wednesday night.
The hosts opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, with Ryan Beckinsale finishing a well-worked corner routine giving The Larks a perfect start.
Slimbridge put things back on level terms, with Casey Collins smartly placing the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper and into the far corner after Oliver Sully squeezed past two defenders before sliding his teammate in on goal.
Just before half-time Slimbridge had found themselves in the lead, after a scramble in the box, the ball fell to striker Leighton Blacker who fired home from close range.
The second half saw lots of Larkhall pressure, but they were unable to convert anything they’d created.
Slimbridge secured all three points, with Collins getting his second of the game in stoppage time as his volley sparked jubilation amongst The Swans fans.
The Camella Stadium, home of Larkhall
After a dominant start from the hosts, seeing them go one to the good after just 11 minutes. “First 15/20 we were all over them. Got the goal we were tasked with getting so early so couldn’t have asked for a better start.” Ames opened with.
Shortly after, The Larks created the golden opportunity to double their advantage. With Ben Cleary unable to guide the ball into the net after some brilliant forward play by number nine Harvey Pritchard.
28’ After a goal line clearance from Slimbridge AFC, they counter and get an equaliser from the other end. Larkhall Athletic 1 – 1 Slimbridge AFC
— Larkhall Athletic FC (@LarkhallAFC) November 11, 2026
“It completely changed the momentum. I think if we’d have taken that chance then we go and kill them and then it becomes three or four.” The 19-year-old admitted.
Despite the convincing opening, the hosts couldn’t capitalise on the early lead, giving Slimbridge the chance to put their foot in the door.
Ames commented on this saying, “We sat off them after taking the lead and the miss, letting them to create two chances which they took well.”
Just 18 minutes after opening the scoring, the away side found an equaliser via Casey Collins who lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper to give him his fourth goal of the season.
⏱️ 29’ – Goal Swans! Casey Collins! A lovely dink over the keeper puts the Swans level. LAFC 1-1 SAFC | #UpTheSwans🦢 https://t.co/jdzQMOnFgI
— Slimbridge AFC (@slimbridgeafc) November 11, 2026
On the stroke of half-time The Swans took the lead after a deflected effort in the box fell to Slimbridge striker Leighton Blacker who made no mistake from close range.
Goals just before half-time are a manager’s nightmare, with Ames giving some insight to what was said at the break; “The Gaffer (John Durbin) was fuming and rightly so.
“He said we were playing well; we were doing what we had to do but be more decisive in the final third.”
With both sides knowing how big of a game this was, the opening exchanges to the second half were understandably cagey.
46’ We’re back underway for the second half at the Camella stadium. Come on you Larks #larkhallathletic #thelarks
— Larkhall Athletic FC (@LarkhallAFC) November 11, 2026
Taking the managers advice back into the game, The Larks had the opportunity to level up the score.
“We came back out and started quick again, but unfortunately we weren’t able to capitalise, and you start to get the feeling it was one of those days.”
55’ Harvey Pritchard makes a great run and cuts it back to Ryan Beckinsale who shoots it wide.
— Larkhall Athletic FC (@LarkhallAFC) November 11, 2026
There was a lot of cat and mouse, with the hosts seemingly unable to carve open a very compact Slimbridge defence.
As the game drew on, Larkhall became desperate for an equaliser, piling more players forward.
After soaking up a lot of the home sides pressure, Slimbridge were able to deal the final blow in the 91st minute.
A teasing cross from substitute Kieran Moore saw Collins grab himself a brace for the evening. His perfectly timed volley left goalkeeper Liam Armstrong no chance, as all three points were heading back to Gloucestershire.
Last night’s goals as the Swans came from a goal down to win 3-1 at Larkhall… 🙌 #UpTheSwans🦢 https://t.co/Zdo5PZqPAP
— Slimbridge AFC (@slimbridgeafc) November 12, 2026
Both sides quickly turn attention to next week as Larkhall travel to high-flying Dorchester.
“It should be an enjoyable game. They’ve got a good following so we’ll have to be at our best to travel there and try to get a result.” Ames concluded with.
This comes whilst Slimbridge host Melksham Town another side well within the bottom half as they look to make it two from two.
