Pershore returned home after two away fixtures looking to build on last weekend’s impressive win at promotion-chasing Cirencester, as they welcomed another side with promotion ambitions in Slimbridge.

The visitors had the first effort of the afternoon, a long-range strike that was comfortably gathered by Joe Cunneen. Pershore’s first meaningful entry into the final third came on ten minutes when a long free kick was worked at the second attempt by Stephen Sarkodie under pressure from Jamie Lucas.

Two minutes later the home side struck. Reece Day did well to win possession in midfield and released Tyrese Griffin, who drove into the Slimbridge half before laying the ball off to Tino Shumba. The winger delivered a pinpoint cross which Jamie Lucas met superbly, heading home to give Pershore an early lead.

Slimbridge responded with intent. Jack W Smith fizzed an effort just wide on 19 minutes, before a dipping long-range strike soon after was well saved by Cunneen. At the other end Lucas almost doubled his tally, his deflected effort from distance forcing Sarkodie into a smart save, tipping the ball around the post.

The visitors levelled on 33 minutes when a long ball forward was not dealt with, allowing Shiyak Sutherland to take full advantage and slot past Cunneen. Pershore were left frustrated moments later when Joe Clayton picked out Lucas in the box, the striker appearing to be bundled over as he attempted to shoot, only for the referee to wave away appeals.

Shumba showed quick feet to create space on 41 minutes but could not keep his effort down, firing over the bar. The half then saw a lengthy pause after a inappropriate comment was directed at a Pershore player from the travelling support. Play only resumed after an individual had been removed from the ground after a directive from the referee.

Pershore made a strong start to the second half and regained the lead just minutes after the restart. Day again initiated the move, finding George Hunt whose through ball was expertly controlled by Lucas before he calmly slotted home his second of the afternoon.

Five minutes later the hosts nearly extended their advantage, Kyle Clayton’s counter-attacking ball across the box being met by Hunt, whose effort dipped narrowly over the bar. Slimbridge came close to responding when a free kick crashed back off the crossbar just after the hour mark.

Lucas was denied a hat-trick on 69 minutes after Shumba’s excellent work sent him through, Sarkodie producing a fine save to keep the visitors in the contest. The flow of the game was disrupted by a series of delays as a dog repeatedly made its way under the perimeter fence, interruptions that would ultimately prove costly for the home side.

With under ten minutes remaining, a ball over the top allowed Slimbridge to break in behind. The resulting cross took a deflection off Chris Gregan and fell kindly for Jack W Smith, who made no mistake with a simple header to level the scores.

Deep into stoppage time, Slimbridge completed the turnaround. Sutherland again caused problems down the left, crossing into the area where Pershore were unable to clear, Smith on hand to head home his second and seal all three points.

There was still time for one final chance, Jack Neal finding Henry Dyde in the closing moments, but the defender was unable to convert with the goal at his mercy, as Slimbridge departed with the points after an entertaining contest played in difficult conditions.