Thank you for the memory, Kennedy

Slough supporters weren't always the happiest people during 1983-84, particularly in the last four months, but at least their final memory of the season was a sweet one.

Just over a minute remained in the last home game of a sometimes frustrating campaign on Saturday when Howard Kennedy received the ball harmlessly in midfield.

With his side trailing 2-1, Kennedy advanced a few yards before unleashing a rocket of a shot which Harlow 'keeper Drake could only help into the top corner.

Until that outlandish equaliser the Rebels were set to sign off their home programme with a disappointing sixth defeat on their own patch. The sun may have been shining like the opening of a new season, but Slough's display was definitely end of term stuff.

For much of the time they were like actors at the end of a long run in a play which no longer inspired them. Particularly in the first half, they delivered their lines without any great conviction, but after the interval they got their act together rather better and deserved their spectacular finale.

Harlow needed just nine minutes to take the lead, Slough's defence standing hoping for an offside as Micky Mann moved on to the ball on the left and chipped into the middle for full back Leo Cusenza to race in and head home.

On a pitch as hard as plastic, the bounce made control difficult and caused unease in both penalty areas. But it was 26 minutes before Slough tested Drake with a beautiful breakaway involving Steve Norman, Dave Russell, Derek Sweetman and Peter Skerritt. It ended with the lanky centre back literally leaving a trail of dust behind him as he tore down to poke the ball against the 'keeper.

Rowan Dodds replaced Skerritt in a carbon copy of that finish nine minutes later, but by then Slough could have been two down, Peter Rackley saving well one-handed after Griffiths walked through a defence once again expecting a flag.

Harlow wasted another chance three minutes before the break when Day's volley bounced over after Harding had skinned Norman on the left. Two minutes into the second half Slough levelled and went behind again within the space of 30 seconds.

Their equaliser looked simple. Norman played a delightful pass over the top of the defence and Keith White knocked the ball past Drake. But Harlow regained the lead with a goal that looked even easier when an unmarked Griffiths headed in a free-kick from the right.

The crowd released their dissatisfaction on referee Cotton, who deserved much of their criticism after booking Harlow's Mann for a foul on Hutchinson which had been committed by Griffiths.

Milbourne was also cautioned for bringing down White three minutes after his entrance as substitute. Slough's twelfth man, Adam Yost, came on for his first team debut in the 62nd minute, but the home team didn't really come close until an 84th minute scramble which ended with Russell's poke being headed off the line by Taylor.

Drake did well to block from Dodds after the striker had surged through after 85 minutes , but he was left helpless four minutes later by Kennedy's cracker.