Donnellan points the way ahead for Slough

Gary Donnellan's flying header allowed the Rebels to claim a point in this hard fought return to league action, on Saturday. Having gone behind to Richie Allen's goal two minutes before the interval, Slough got back on level terms but couldn't conjure up a matchwinner.

In their first Conference action since January 19, the Rebels obviously suffered from the loss of the suspended Steve Thompson. With Mark Mallinson out through injury and Tony Dell also suspended and four players, Phil Stacey, Mark Hill, Gary Donnellan and Tony Knight not totally fit, the Rebels were stretching their squad to its limit.

Carrying on where they left off against Stafford last month, Slough used a flat back four in order to get more men into midfield. There was a welcome back for Barry Rake, who started his first match for a while, while both Tommy Langley and Jon Sissons had to sit it out on the bench as Darren Anderson retained his place in the forward line.

It was a rejuvenated Gateshead who made the early running though. With some good recent results behind them, the Tynesiders began to push forward and create openings, though they were often scrappy and unfinished.

The wind and wet surface didn't help the game to flow and it soon turned into a dour affair with the ball hoofed goalwards by both sides. Naseem Bashir carved out a fine opportunity when he played a neat one — two with Darren Anderson, only to see his shot punched away by Gateshead keeper Simon Smith.

Vernon Pratt was called upon to make a last ditch clearance later in the half with Derek Bell's cross to Richie Allen looking certain to find the net. Both Hill and Stacey showed a lack of match fitness and Gateshead worked hard to get in behind the full backs with the Rebels defence fending them off as often as they could.

But the visitors finally found the net from Bell's deep ball which dropped over Stacey and allowed Allen in to fire home. The situation could have been much worse at the interval had Gary Brabin's shot not cannoned off the woodwork to Butler who blasted over.

Slough started the second period more convincingly, moving forward with more cohesion and Gary Donnellan overlapping to produce some useful balls into the box.

It was a strange goal that levelled the scores on 55 minutes, Trevor How's long ball sailing into the Gateshead area, where the visitors defence stopped and watched as Donnellan nipped in to head home.

The Rebels had their best period of the game but chances were still few and far between and eventually the momentum died out. Knight found himself booked for what looked a late challenge and Gateshead's Allen went into the book for dissent.

Slough's distribution from the back let them down often and neither side managed to get a prolonged grip on proceedings and dominate. Anderson's header on target was the only chance of the last 20 minutes but found keeper Smith well positioned and both sides found themselves locked together and lacking the imagination that would swing the game.

Bashir found himself struggling towards the end and Jon Sissons replaced him, a move misinterpreted as tactical by the crowd who voiced their frustrations. It was left for referee Mr Boulton to bring proceedings to an end as both sides settled for a point.

Post match reflection from Slough boss Alan Davies saw him content with a point though he would have liked all three.

"We're pleased with a point. It's difficult for both sides with tricky conditions and the wind and it's better to have one point than none." Knowing the pressure that could see Slough sucked into relegation trouble he said: "I honestly believe we are not safe and have set I target of the mid 40's for points."

"But we do have the points and the other sides have got to get them," he added. He has reverted to playing central defender Darren Anderson up front and said: "Over our friendlies I thought he did well. He makes it hard for opposing defences, has a good touch and we may get a few more free kicks."

Naseem Bashir was struggling with an injury when he was substituted and Mark Mallinson was stretchered off for the Combined Services with a three week absence looking on the cards.