Slough Turn On Style For The Cameras

In front of the satellite TV cameras Slough staged one of their best performances at Wexham Park this season and jumped a massive eight places in the Conference table.

The Rebels were sharp, incisive and decisive and although their fans may have feared a repeat of the Witton disaster when Boston threatened a late revival this time it was the Slough outfit who carried the emphatic late punch.

Unchanged from that Witton clash Slough began brightly and Paul McKinnon, who was to be the television star of the night, stood out like a beacon.

Chances came and went at both ends although Slough were by far the more impressive side, Boston's built up was often attractive but seldom much more. Steve Thompson who was to enjoy one of his better days could and should have fared better with Slough's first wonderful chance.

Thompson, collecting a swift through ball, raced unopposed towards Boston goalkeeper McKenna but seemed unusually hesitant and his shot was comfortably saved.

Allan Pluckrose was another to miss out in the early, promising, stages and Eamonn O'Connor was also at fault in front of Boston's goal before the home side finally got the reward they deserved, and you felt, needed. It came via the penalty spot when Moore was adjudged to have handled as he attempted to clear more pressure on the visitors goal this time from O'Connor's swinging corner.

Darren Anderson responded well to the responsibility; took little notice of Boston's attempts to delay the kick and dispatched his effort at pace into the top of the net with McKenna helpless.

The goal coming on 27 minutes meant Slough had much time to add to their advantage but the first half passed by without McKenna being tested again. In fact the half time corner count suggested Boston - who had five to Slough's four - were unlucky to be trailing the 732 strong crowd and those with satellite dishes knew better.

After the interval Slough surged forward and, Thompson-inspired, the teamwork indicated a return to the early season form when Kettering and Saturday's visitors Altrincham were among the victims.

Thompson was at the heart of Slough's second, crucial goal on 76 minutes but it's doubtful he'll be taking too much credit for it.

Thompson won the ball in midfield and laid the simple pass into the path of McKinnon; he galloped forward and then from 25 yards struck for goal and his fierce drive was past Boston's McKenna in an instant.

McKinnon's first league goal since November 2, it was his eighth of the season and there was more to come from the striker, his confidence seemingly restored by a single moment of majesty.

Boston's sole reply on 85 minutes came when McGinley did well to head home from close range and it set pulses racing, surely Slough after so many chances weren't about to let three points slip again?

On this occasion the answer was no and it was given less than 30 seconds after Boston's strike. Immediately from the restart O'Connor set Thompson in motion and his run and cross was turned in by a joyous McKinnon, who one suspects didn't want the game to end.

Although Slough are still a country mile behind he leading duo, Colchester and Wycombe, hopes of a top five spot have been emphatically reinforced.