Kennedy Celebrates

Howard Kennedy started his managerial life at Slough Town with a nerve racking FA Trophy win and he celebrated one-year in the hot seat on Saturday with another heart stopping game in the same competition.

Indeed, the Rebels have come a long way under Kennedy's astute leadership since that first match against Aylesbury United but this FA Trophy, first round win over Tilbury was not one of their most inspired performances in the past year. Finally it was Devon Petty's 15th minute goal which settled this windswept clash and Kennedy will be relieved Slough made no slip-ups against a lively Tilbury side who were out to continue their reputation as "cup shockers”.

So the Rebels have now lined up a second round home clash with Gola League Kettering Town who beat Sutton United 1-0 on January 18 and Kennedy is already relishing the game.—"I am very disappointed we're not playing Sutton but delighted we're playing Kettering, especially for the fans. I am looking forward to the confrontation with a Gola League side and I will get plenty of reports on Kettering and watch them before the second round game." said Kennedy.

With injuries and a 'flu bug sweeping through Wexham Park, Slough were somewhat depleted on Saturday and, in fact, Kennedy came close to having to play himself.

Teenage goalkeeper Paul Shannon was again thrown into the cup big time while Moran Dodds made his first appearance this season and there was a debut for local product Steve Playle in midfield.

And within minutes Shannon was embarking on another heroic performance when the 17year-old 'keeper made a brilliant one handed save to keep out Barry Lock's header.

When the Rebels then went ahead in 15 minutes they seemed set for an easy afternoon against their lowly Division One opponents. Petty did well to get clear on the right and when his cross re-bounded back, he was there again to volley the ball first time past Graham Dockrill.

But anyone who now anticipated a goal glut was disappointed there was no bumper early Christmas present for the fans.-Rowan Dodds and Micky Kiely went close but it took another superb Shannon save on 35 minutes to keep out a 20 yard cracker from Paul Groyette as Tilbury started to grow in confidence.

And it was a similar story in the second half with Slough creating all the chances but unable to apply a clinical finish and Tilbury always suggesting they might just snatch something from the game.

Twice Dodds went desperately close but it was Kiely who was the unluckiest Rebel having two headers cleared off the line and another tipped over the bar by Dockrill.

Slough's best chance fell to Wilson on 78 minutes but after Petty had set up a simple opportunity the winger took too long from close range and the ball was scrambled away.

Kennedy’s men also had a let off when Lock burst clear but then fired just wide of the target with only Shannon to beat. Tilbury often looked dangerous in their approach work but rarely threatened in front of goal and with Jeff Bateman again outstanding and Shannon looking cool and composed Slough kept their Trophy dreams firmly alive.

Referee Mr. Wiseman, who hardly added to the afternoon's entertainment value, booked Tony Knight and Playle along with Tilbury's Ian North. Speaking after the match Kennedy said: "We certainly struggled and made something more difficult than it should have been. Tilbury produced some good play but this was aided and abetted by a lackadaisical Slough performance.”

And Kennedy also had words of praise for his young goalkeeper Paul Shannon. "I am on tenterhooks all the time waiting for the lad to make a mistake but everything he has done so far has been first class. He gave another excellent performance today”.