Alexander's The Maestro

Rebels' boss Howard Kennedy, said this clash with Tooting and Mitcham on Saturday would be a "test of character for Slough Town", after the disappointment of their Trophy exit at Harrow.

While headmaster Kennedy would be hard pushed to give his side an A grade they came through the test admirably at Wexham Park, to record their first Servowarm Isthmian League, Premier Division "double" this term.

Perhaps some of the passion and inventiveness that Slough had shown in their tremendous display at Harrow in midweek was missing but, the total commitment and endeavour that Kennedy has instilled into the side again proved a major factor in the Rebels' win.

We were also treated to another masterly midfield show from Dave Alexander, who is fast becoming one of the main reasons behind 90 minutes he sprayed passes Slough's recent revival. For all around the field to his teammates with the precision of a well-oiled machine,

After an early Slough corner had almost given Tooting goalkeeper Paul Jones an horrific start, it was Rebels' new 'keeper Les Currell's turn to swing into action with a smart lowdown save on the line to foil Gavin Mayo's header.

The swirling wind made life difficult for both sides but. it could not be used as an excuse for the disastrous goal Slough conceded on 25 minutes.

It proved to be a personal nightmare for Currell. As Peter Ranson pumped a long free kick into the Slough penalty area the new 'keeper rushed off his line calling for the ball. He had no real hope of ever making the ball and with the Rebels' defenders left watching the action Jeff Bryant, stole in to head firmly home with Currell still some five yards away from the Tooting defender.

Slough’s character was now severely tested but it took them just four minutes to bounce back. Alexander was the creator and White the executioner for his seventh goal of the season. Alexander picked up the ball wide out on the right, sent over a superb deep cross and White rose to send a looping header over Jones' head into the net.

Currell then made a diving save from Jimmy Bolton but, really should have been beaten on 40 minutes when the Tooting winger somehow contrived to head high over the bar from only five yards out.

In the second half Slough made the most of this let off scoring the two goals which brought Kennedy his fifth win since taking over in December. Play was often scrappy but it was always Alexander who looked the one class player on the pitch and the man most likely to create something for Slough.

In fact, he should have put Slough ahead after 47 minutes running on to Stuart Mitchell's beautiful defence splitting pass, only to chip the ball over Jones' head and then watch it run agonisingly wide of the target.

Another astute Alexander pass almost resulted in Terry Glynn setting Rowan Dodds up, but after 54 minutes came the Slough breakthough. Alexander's corner was only cleared to Charlie Flaherty and the little midfield man sent over an inviting cross from the left. Glynn's first header flew high into the air but he was allowed a second chance and this time with the Tooting defence standing like statue she headed home into the corner of the net past Jones' despairing dive.

Glynn then had a golden chance to add to his tally of five goals in six games since coming to Wexham Park but Jones did well to block his effort from close range.

However, goal number three came on 79 minutes. First Dodds blocked Bryant's attempted clearance and then as the Slough striker raced through, pursued by Bryant, the Tooting defender somehow ended up on the ground in the penalty area with the ball in his hands. Penalty it had to be and Colin Tate, ended the recent Slough spot kick voodoo by firing home