A LATE rally saw Cinderford Town come from behind for their first points this season in Division One South with a midweek win over Slimbridge.

But on Saturday they were unable to finish the job in the FA Cup preliminary round at The Causeway.

Town faced an unwelcome trip to Hellenic League Premier side Chipping Sodbury last night (Tuesday) after a 0-0 draw in the Forest.

But manager Alex Sykes was delighted with the character shown against Slimbridge in Town’s opening home league fixture on Tuesday (August 16).

Goals from Tris Haswell and Mike Symons around the 90-minute mark earned the victory.

The first chance fell to the visitors from a corner on eight minutes which was well stopped by former Slimbridge keeper Ellis Parker.

Midfielder Mitch McCann went close to opening his Cinderford account a few minutes later but his shot was blocked by Swans’ keeper Lewis Adams.

Parker was called into action again with some 10 minutes of the half left when Slimbridge had a free kick on the edge of the box.

Slimbridge had been pushing forward and were rewarded for their endeavour with a goal on 37 minutes.

Ethan Dunbar was one-on-one with Parker after being put through by Will Hawes and converted the chance to give the visitors the lead going into the break.

The second half opened with captain Dion Molyneux being replaced by Robbie Atkinson for the home side.

Ben Brooks had a good effort well blocked four minutes into the half and Cinderford began to apply pressure and dominate for long period.

On the hour he sent a free kick and went close five minutes later when Town were awarded another free kick when Harry Emmett’s shot was blocked.

It was Haswell who levelled the scores with a well-taken header in the 88th minute.

Symons clinched all the points three minutes into time added on, prompting jubilation among his team-mates.

Manager Sykes said:”What was incredibly pleasing was the fact that we now have a group who are willing to go the extra yard and also really work together for the common purpose.

“Had that been last season, it may well have petered out into an unlucky defeat.”

Cinderford Town (v Slimbridge): Ellis Parker, Will Emery, Tristran Haswell, Jamie Bremner, Dion Molyneux (capt), Jack Bartman, Mitch McCann, Jack Freeman, Mike Symons, Ben Brooks, Harry Emmett. Substitutes: Kai Wint, Jonathan Invernizzi, Will Morford Kristian Burnard, Robbie Atkinson.