Rebels Rely On Superb Sayer

Slough Town proved they had made a complete recovery from their bout of hiccups earlier in the month as they comfortably resisted the challenge of in-form Telford aided by Andy Sayer's first two goal performance of the season.

It was Town's first journey into the Conference mire since they surrendered their perfect league record to Altrincham two weeks ago.

Fears of a repeat of that lack-lustre showing were swiftly dispelled, not just by Sayer's first strike —less than 180 seconds into the contest — but also by the enthusiasm and commitment, lacking somewhat that day but quite clearly on display this time round.

Sayer put the Rebels on the road to a fifth league win in six outings with his third Conference goal of the campaign.

Pluckrose worked himself space on his favoured left flank and crossed early for Sayer to glance in a header, delighting the Slough contingent of a 914 audience.

Telford were stirred rather than stunned and responded impressively, Parish brought a competent save from Bunting who had some fortune on ten minutes when Benbow was allowed a free header from Martin Myer's cross but directed it tamely straight at the Slough keeper.

Pluckrose, as industrious as ever, shaved paint off the crossbar with a well struck rising drive from distance, before, just prior to the interval, Sayer had an excellent chance for his second. Often so lethal in one on one situations, this time the diminutive forward had his shot saved by the feet of Darren Acton.

With McKinnon subdued it was left to the Pluckrose-Sayer combination to cause most of the problems for the Telford rearguard and Pluckrose almost added to his Conference goals collection when his cross deceived Acton, but as it looked set to get away from him and in, he somehow — and with more than a degree of desperation — gathered at the second attempt.

When Telford pressed again Bunting was equal to Marcus Bignot's effort.

Four minutes later Sayer effectively settled the contest. Stuart Hemsley was strong in the tackle and gave Pluckrose the chance to break, his first time ball save Sayer another run at an unprotected Acton and as he went down so Sayer lifted the ball over him and into the net — clever stuff.

Tim Langford tested Bunting again when the intelligent probing of Myers earned another opportunity for the visitors and a minute later from a similar angle the same player was again foiled by Bunting low down to the goalkeeper's right.

Andy Lee missed out with a free header with 15 minutes left and that was really the last time Telford seriously threatened.

Sayer found the side netting with a driven effort from near the corner flag. Attempt on goal or a cross, it was close and Mr Sayer was brimming over with confidence now.

Briley ensured there was not last gasp shocks although his first time clearances now owed more to the desire for killing time rather than any attempt to find a team mate.

With Hazel looking assured and Anderson and Foran — in particular —composed at the back, Slough looked solid and David Kemp must be pondering on whether Altrincham would have had quite so much joy had they been at Wexham Park on Saturday.