Unpredictable Slough Win Narrowly

Slough Town must just about be the most unpredictable side in the Berger Isthmian League, Premier Division this season. Just seven days after losing at home to lowly Dulwich Hamlet they went to Billericay on Saturday and produced a totally different performance clinching three fine points thanks to a Roy Butler goal after 62 minutes.

However, this fine display on the Rebels first ever visit to Billericay was marred when in the dying minutes of the match Steve Adams and the home side's Steve Jesson were sent off by referee Mr C. Richardson of Kent.

This win moves the Rebels up into fifth position in the table and it was all the more impressive when one considers that they were without central defenders Eric Young, injured, and Steve Hardwick, suspended. It also gives them hope that when the full squad is available in the New Year they could again become a real force.

Making his debut for Slough up front was former Wycombe Wanderers and Hillingdon Borough striker Dylan Evans, signed by manager Terry Reardon late in the week.

The pitch was hardly suitable for fast constructive football, and although the wings were in good condition the centre of the field had the consistency of a rice pudding and was totally frustrating for players with ball skills.

With Hardwick out of the side, Slough basically played with three at the back, and with Dave Yerby back to his best form, and Joe Moloney and Steve Norman playing well together this formation proved sufficient to give Frank Parsons enough cover.

The first half provided few real chances for either side. Slough created several opportunities to score, and a good shot from Keith White, who was captaining the side for the first time, was well saved by Mark McCutcheon.

At the other end Billericay's top scorer Garry Rolph broke clear only to be foiled by the pitch, and his final shot was tame. The home side's main menace came from winger Tony Gammer and Parsons did well to cut out one of his many dangerous crosses. He then saved well from a John Pullin free kick.

After the interval Slough began to control the match and their continued attacks began to fray the nerves of the Billericay defence who at times seemed to lose their concentration at vital moments.

Butler in particular was a handful for the home defence and it was fitting that he should score the winner after 62 minutes when after a break he hit a powerful shot from just outside the area past McCutcheon.

As the match wore on Slough took further control and continued to look dangerous. With five minutes remaining Rowan Dodds replaced Dave Russell as the Rebels pushed for a second goal, and the move almost came off when Dodds back headed the ball past McCutcheon, only to see it hit the bar.

And then with a minute left the match boiled over when Jesson fouled Adams badly from behind. With the referee indicating a free kick for Slough, Adams retaliated and players from both sides clashed.

After consulting the linesman, Mr Richardson sent both Adams and Jesson to the dressing room for a fractionally early bath, and what had been a good tempered match ended in dramatic style.