On paper ambitious Aldershot should have been comfortable winners of Saturday's game, but the 'Shots failed to reckon on the incredible new found team spirit and commitment shown by all eleven Swifts players to quieten the big crowd of 2,041.
If Swifts, who moved out of the bottom three with this excellent win, can maintain this kind of progress then any talk of relegation will be long forgotten at Scraley Road.
Swifts did well in the first half hour to dominate proceedings, without creating any real chances, although Nicky Simpson looked lively and Gary Waters fired in two headers and a long range shot.
In the last 15 minutes of the half the home side began to get a grip of the midfield and spread the ball wide but Swifts managed to contain them well, and when they did break through goalkeeper Kingsley Banks was at full stretch to save from Chewins.
Ross Taylor was booked for a needless foul on the edge of the penalty area but the free- kick was wasted, and another super save from Banks on the stroke of half-time kept the scores level.
Aldershot dominated the second half possession but Swifts defended deep and to great effect, Waters and Nicky Haydon dominating the illustrious Aldershot front pair of Abbott and Payne.
On 55 minutes Sean Caton threaded the ball through the defence for Simpson to run on into the area and pull the ball back for Taylor to cross to Gillespie who powered a header back across the goalkeeper into the corner of the net for the only goal of the game, and the travelling supporters celebrated.
Aldershot's Hutchings hit the bar from one of his side's few clear efforts, but Swifts were always dangerous on the break.
Another breathtaking save from Banks in the final minute was the scene for wild final celebrations and just reward for a hard working team and management.
Heybridge Swifts: Banks, Fiddes, Taylor, Haydon, Waters, Gillespie, Simpson (Cranfield 83 minutes), Parker, Caton, Streetley, and McLean. Unused substitutes: Warwick and McKrory.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article