Wycombe Lift Charity Shield

Wycombe Wanderers gave an early indication that they will be one of the main challengers for Slough's Berger Isthmian League Premier Division title when they beat the Rebels at Wexham Park on Saturday to lift the Dylon Isthmian Charity Shield.

Throughout Wycombe looked the better equipped side and gave the Slough defence a torrid afternoon and manager Laurie Churchill several problems to sort out before the Rebels first league match at Carshalton on Saturday.

Constantly the Rebels defence, badly missing giant central defender Eric Young, were beaten for speed and sliced wide open by the lively Wycombe front runners who created so many chances that only some good goal-keeping by Frank Parsons and poor finishing kept the score down.

The main dangers were winger Steve Long and striker Terry Glynn, who gave Steve Hardwick, playing against his old club, a difficult time. Consequently with the defence under so much pressure Slough were given few opportunities to show their true potential in midfield and up front.

Nevertheless when given time by a determined Wycombe side they played some neat football with Micky O'Sullivan and Keith White working tirelessly and Dave Russell showing some clever touches.

Wycombe took the lead after six minutes when a fine break and pass from the industrious Paul West split the Slough defence. Steve Toll and Glynn worked well on the edge of the box before Glynn's shot was deflected off Vic Akers into the far corner of the net—leaving Parsons helpless.

Glynn continued to tor ment the Slough defence and on three occasions during the first 45 minutes was left unmarked to run through with only Parsons to beat. But each time the Slough goalkeper judged the situation well to foil the striker.

Slough's best effort came when a flashing volley from White soared just over the crossbar following a pinpoint cross by Barry Friend from the left.

Within two minutes of the second half Glynn had again twice broken clear and only a good save from Parsons and a timely intervention from Les Barrett saved the day.

But after 50 minutes the almost inevitable second Wycombe goal came. A fine cross on the right by Long was misjudged by Parsons and it reached the unmarked Jimmy Jacobs at the far post, who neatly volleyed home.

With 59 minutes gone Micky Kiely replaced Friend, and although clearly not fully match fit within minutes he started to pose problems for Wanderers.

And, with virtually his first touch he created the opening for Eggie James to put Slough back in the match. A long ball was knocked down by Roy Butler to Kiely 10 yards out. He rounded goalkeper Chris Way but before shooting was brought down by the 'keeper. However the ball ran free to James and from 12 yards he made no mistake.

However it was still Wycombe, showing more determination. who looked the more likely side to score against Slough's uncertain defence, and again Parsons was forced to make a couple of good saves when goals looked likely.

With 14 minutes left Wycombe made virtually certain of victory when another perfect cross from Long beat the defence and young defender Anton Vircays ran in unmarked to head home.

In a final flurry of activity West missed a fine chance and then Kiely hit the underside of the bar and went close with another effort as his form of last season started to return. Both sides must have welcomed this kind of highly competitive match just before the season starts and a good crowd were entertained with plenty of action and constructive football.

Wycombe will have been delighted to have beaten the "old enemy", especially after Slough's fine double over them last term, and already suggest they will be challenging for honours this season.