Bartlett sent off but Friend supports him

FORMER Slough Town player Gordon Bartlett, surprisingly sent off for fouling Barry Friend in the second-half of Saturday's drawn Isthmian League clash, will be pleased to know that Friend is willing to give evidence on his behalf.

Friend said afterwards: "I think he was unlucky to be ordered off for that foul. I came up on his blind side to take the ball as he was about to kick it and he kicked me instead. It probably looked worse than it was."

The 27-year-old Friend, who in his three years at Fulham played over 50 reserve team games and made three Football League appearances, should know what he is talking about when he says that Bartlett's tackle was unintentional.

Slough manager Joe Arpino was far from happy about several of referee Bill Cleare's decisions. Mr. Arpino stormed: "I don't know why Paul Lee was booked. Nor do I know why we were not given a penalty when Lee was fouled in the box." It was an unhappy match for Lee who was elbowed in the face late in the game and couldn't see properly.

Hayes are an uncompromising side, as their record of 15 league draws suggests, but Slough should have turned their territorial advantage into goals against 10 men. Mr. Arpino pointed out that Hayes still had the same number of defenders after Bartlett's departure - they simply left fewer men in attack. But had Slough shown more flair and imagination they could have found a way through.

The absence of the injured Alan Gane and Dave Russell was really no excuse as their deputies Steve Norman and Terry Reardon gave 100 per cent commitment, even though Norman was recovering from illness and Reardon lacked pace.

Reardon, back in the side after a lengthy absence, started Slough's first attack by pushing the ball to the menacing Lee who sent it into the penalty area where Kiely lost a race for possession with keeper Jarrett.

Jarrett later saved from Lee but in between times Hayes carved out a fine chance in the eighth minute. Hatton, put through by Morrissey, had a low shot blocked by Teale at the near post.

Slough had the edge, however, and took the lead in the 22nd minute. Friend, who was always lively on the left, dummied his way past two defenders and his cross was driven home by Lee from 10 yards.

But four minutes later Slough gave away a soft equaliser from Wiles's corner. John Harrison - the smallest player on the field - was allowed a free header which he placed out of Teale's reach.

An eventful second-half started with Lee shooting just wide and then being booked for dissent. Yet the Slough players insist that Lee said nothing and the only remark was made by a Hayes defender!

Referee Cleare took even more drastic action in the 53rd minute when he sent right-back Bartlett off for bringing down Friend. When play resumed Mackay sent over a shrewd free-kick which Kiely headed home only to hear the whistle sound for off-side.

Peter Feely came on as substitute for Reardon in the 64th minute and soon afterwards missed a sitter. Lee appeared to be fouled but play continued and Feely shot wide although it seemed easier to find the net.

When Kiely also missed a good chance it was obvious that Slough would not be able to collect the two extra points for a win which they needed to improve their slim title hopes.

Hayes broke through near the end and Harrison had a goalbound shot blocked but none of their other attacks bothered the polished Eric Young and his fellow defenders.