Boro' catch Rebels' recoil

Jekyll and Hyde Slough bounced back from their dismal display against Bognor on Saturday by turning on a classy performance to give them a memorable triumph over table topping Farnborough on Tuesday.

The Rebels were a transformed side from that which looked so out of sorts on Saturday. They played with a combination of verve and skill that put paid to the visitors 100 per cent record and closed the gap to three points at the top.

The arrival of new signing Garry Dodd from Kingstonian appeared to have a profound effect throughout the side and Dodd did nothing more than sit on the substitute's bench. But that in itself was enough to inject the fear of lost places into the Rebels and they responded magnificently.

Manager Alan Davies was well aware of the effect Dodd had on the side and said: "When a player of his calibre arrives it makes the other players look over their shoulders and try that bit harder. Wayne Wanklyn knows what the game is all about but it was up to him to prove it and that is what he did with his best 45 minutes for the club so far," said Davies.

Indeed, Wanklyn produced a virtuoso first half performance that won over he sceptical Slough supporters and devastated he visitors in the process. However, Davies also lad praise for left back Gary Woodcraft who gave mother solid display to help safeguard his position in the face of stiff competition from the injured Denis Powell and club skipper Keith White who moved up into midfield, in place of Mark Davis.

"To his credit, Gary has done well again, but didn't they all," said Davies.

With only 25 seconds gone, Neil Stanley showed his pace by rounding right-back Robin Gosnell and sending a splendid near post cross for Jimmy Brown to nod towards the far post but just out of the reach of the improving Kenny Wilson.

However, the Rebels did not have to wait long for the breakthrough and only four minutes later Wanklyn notched his second goal for the club.

Jeff Bateman set them on their way with a pass to Wilson who in turn slid an incisive through ball into the path of Brown. He then rifled towards the corner of the net from just inside the area. Farnborough keeper Paul Riley did well to stop Brown's effort but Wanklyn was quick to follow up and net the rebound from close range.

Farnborough's relief was short lived and after another five minutes, Slough had extended their lead with a goal of true class. This time, Stanley was the instigator as he shared in a delightful one touch combination with Brown on the left flank before curling an inch perfect cross to White loitering unmarked near the penalty spot. White rose well and guided a majestic header into the far corner giving Riley absolutely no chance of saving.

The visitors' first attempt on goal came after 25 minutes when the imperious Bradley Pratt beat Bateman in an aerial challenge at the near post with Trevor Bunting palming the ball out to Dennis Bailey who sent a ferocious volley skidding off the top of the crossbar.

Wanklyn was not afraid to have a crack at goal from any range and went close with a fine 25 yard effort in the 33rd minute with Brown going one better hitting Slough's third and his seventh of the season three minutes before half-time.

A Bateman clearance found Brown in the clear with a suspicion of off-side and the visitors defence static. Rather than head for goal, Brown saw Riley off his line and executed a perfect lobbed shot from all of 35 yards to send the into into the interval with a commanding 3-0 lead.

But Farnborough soon started to fight back and reduced the deficit from their first corner of the game in the 67th minute. Brian O'Donnell's near post corner was met by Bailey who made the most of the room allowed him and nodded home their only consolation.