Lloyd's Goal Lifts Out Of Sorts Rebels

Completely out of sorts for the vast majority of this game on Saturday it took a 76th minute Dave Lloyd goal - his first for the club - to bring the fizz back to Slough's play.

This was hardly the most convincing of performances by the Rebels and a lot of the shortcomings in Terry Reardon's present outfit were again emphasised. However, this win did bring Slough three vital Servowarm Isthmian League, Premier Division points to end their slide of three successive defeats.

But for a long time it looked as though newly promoted Epsom & Ewell were to register their first league win of the season.

Finally, however, the Rebels found some sparkle to their play in the latter part of this encounter to send the Wexham Park faithful home reasonably happy and celebrating Slough's first league win since August 28.

With skipper Keith White missing due to disciplinary action imposed on him by Reardon, the Rebels were again forced to reshuffle their already injury-depleted side. It did not take Epsom long to severely examine the new central defensive combination of Eddie Hutchinson and David O’Flaherty. They came in for some uncomfortable moments early on although as the game progressed, they became more assured with Hutchinson giving another solid and workmanlike display.

After only five minutes Peter Rackley was left groping the air as Steve Hill's header thudded against the crossbar and then after two almost fatal defensive tangles Hill and Tommy Tuite both wasted good chances for Epsom.

Slough, meanwhile, created little in the way of serious threats with the only brief moments of inspiration coming from Devon Petty and Dave Alexander. One Petty cross saw Tony Boorman make a vital interception as Dylan Evans closed in, and then the veteran midfielder went close with a well-judged header.

However, right on the stroke of half-time Epsom struck with stunning simplicity. Richard Strong's hefty clearance found the impressive Steve Milton, and he left Hutchinson trailing behind and galloped clear to place the ball past Rackley.

Slough were now really up against it and a performance of some character was needed to lift them above the mediocre display they had given in the first 45 minutes. The vital breakthrough came in the 55th minute and once again it was thanks to Rowan Dodds with his seventh goal of the season. Francis Araguez flighted in a cross from the left and while most people expected Dodds to head for goal, instead, he skilfully controlled the ball on his chest, turned and fired into the top corner of the net.

This was just the boost Slough required and they now started to play with more confidence as Petty and Alexander took over the role of midfield play makers.

Evans went close with a well-hit shot before the winning goal was achieved after 77 minutes. Steve Proctor broke from defence and fed Dodds, who in turn released Petty out on the left. He jinked his way past one challenge and then delivered a searching cross to the far post which the alert Lloyd met and prodded past Ian Stillwell.

This was enough to earn Slough their third league win of the season but the side continues to look somewhat unbalanced in vital departments and it has to be said that Epsom are unlikely to feature as a major championship threat this term.