SWINDON fought back from a 4-1 half-time deficit but still ended up losing a 7-6 thriller against Cheltenham in Premier Division 2A.

The Wiltshire hosts opened the scoring when captain Vicki Stokes - who went on to score five goals in total - tapped in on the rebound after a shot from Fran Bannett was saved.

The response was quick from Cheltenham as their first run into the circle resulted in the attacker smashing into the top left corner.

Further chances followed at both ends but with the half drawing to a close, Cheltenham grabbed three goals in quick succession to head into the break well in control.

The home reaction had to be swift following the resumption and that was exactly what happened.

Stokes scored a second with the first attack of the half, before quickly completing her hat-trick. Lindsey Wall then set up Shona O’Dwyer to bring Swindon level.

Incredibly, Swindon then took the lead and it was Stokes again that scored it, getting the crucial touch in the circle to send the ball trickling over the line.

The scoreline became 6-4 as player of the match Stokes used her pace to great effect as she dribbled through the Cheltenham defence to net number five.

But just has it looked as if Swindon had it sewn up, the visitors came storming back.

Chloe Peppiatt cleared off the line but seconds later the ball was in the net, and with five minutes left the equaliser flew into the top corner.

WIth two minutes to play, Cheltenham were awarded a penalty corner and after the first attempt was blocked, the second found its way high into the net.

Wootton Bassett secured a valuable 3-1 victory at home to Westberries 2nds on Saturday as they began to pull themselves away from trouble in North Division.

On Sunday, Bassett’s trip to Cirencester in the second round of the Investec Women’s Trophy ended in a 5-1 defeat for the visitors.

North Wilts’ game at Melksham in Wessex Division 1 was postponed due to the weather.

In Wessex Division 2, Swindon 2nds kept their charge for top spot going with a 3-0 defeat of West Wilts 3rds. Player of the match Sue Roberts and Ellie Symonds were among the goals.