Disciplined Dulwich keep Rebels at bay

At the end of this clash between the only two remaining unbeaten sides in the Servowarm Isthmian League, Premier Division at Wexham Park on Saturday, both teams were happy to settle for the point they gained - although the Rebels will certainly think back to two glorious chances they squandered which could well have clinched victory for them.

In a match in which clear cut chances were few and far between, had either Gary Attrell or Dave Russell accepted the golden opportunities to break the deadlock which came their way there is little doubt Slough's 100 per cent home record would still be intact.

Slough manager Terry Reardon said after the match that he was well pleased with the Rebels' performance and not disappointed about the result. However, he added; "Had we taken our chances we could have beaten them 4-0, but we seemed to lack something up front today".

With Dylan Evans and Vaughan Powell both injured, Reardon recalled Dave Russell to the side and Rowan Dodds returned up front. From the start Dulwich showed they were an organised side who were going to give very little away. Their defence was well disciplined and marshalled, the midfield quickly closed Slough down, and up front they looked sharp and lively relying on quick breaks from the back.

However, Slough were more than equal to this, and with Devon Petty showing great endeavour in the middle of the field it was the Rebels who looked the more dangerous side.

After 19 minutes disaster almost struck for Dulwich when a fine ball from Alan Paris found Gary Attrell on the right, and his cross was headed against the crossbar by Dulwich defender Paul Edwards before bouncing back into play with 'keeper Steve Bowtell well beaten.

If Dulwich were fortunate to escape on that occasion they surely could not believe their luck 11 minutes later when the Rebels wasted a golden opportunity. Keith White sent Russell clear on the left and he raced into the Dulwich penalty area before rounding goalkeeper Steve Bowtell and then presented Attrell with virtually an open goal. But despite three bites at the cherry, the young Slough striker could, amazingly, not force the ball home and the chance was wasted.

Slough continued to look the more dangerous side after the interval, but the Dulwich defence gave little away and despite forcing seven corners in the first 20 minutes the Rebels could not achieve the vital breakthrough.

Meanwhile, despite looking particularly sound at the back and workmanlike in midfield Dulwich created few actual chances, although had Andy Edwards connected properly with the ball when well placed just eight yards out, the South London side could have found themselves ahead.

The Rebels second golden chance to secure the three points came after 66 minutes. Paris sent a long ball out of defence and after Attrell had challenged Tony Baldwin the ball found Russell clean through with only Bowtell to beat.

However, the striker who several seasons ago would have made no mistake with a similar opportunity, snapped wildly at the chance and sent a shot soaring high over the bar.

In the final stages Slough tired visibly up front and never really looked like breaking the deadlock despite the efforts of the crowd - which at 850 was the largest of the season - to raise one last telling raid from the Rebels.

Despite the fact there were no goals it was an entertaining match between two well matched and disciplined sides who produced some sweet football at times.