Slough Progress In Cup

And there he was, jinking, turning, splay footed, and barrel chested, tumbling under the meekest of challenges but always sniffing out the scent of goal - Andy Sayer was back and those who cheer the Slough cause had reason to rejoice.

A double celebration it would be too as Slough made ludicrously easy progress into Monday's draw.

Diadora Premier hosts Hayes were woefully inadequate in too many departments to mount a meaningful challenge to an enterprising, slick Slough, who will now entertain third division Torquay in the first round proper.

The much maligned right foot of Slough's classiest act Mark Fiore initiated the downfall of hopeful Hayes, putting to bed niggling doubts that he uses the right leg for standing on only, Fiore set up Town's opening first half strike, then completed 'Saturday's exercise with a precise low drive, both with his 'weaker' foot.

Fiore, who rose from his sick bed — doubts and all — to take his lead role in the performance looks as though he's been given room to roam — albeit strictly on the left side —under new manager Les Briley, and his direct running consistently tortured poor Hayes.

Slough, marshalled by the magnificent Dowson, captain in the absence of the injured Ian Hazel —were simply a class apart and their winning margin didn't in any way reflect the overall superiority they enjoyed.

Trevor Bunting's role was limited to a number of clean takes from pumped in crosses and a couple of low saves made falling forward, with just the one finger-tip effort when Neal Stevens tried, as much in desperation as in expectation, from 25 yards.

Predictably Slough's travelling support handsomely outnumbered the home regulars and they were in good voice as their side went ahead on 28 minutes. Stanley and Morrys Scott had already gone close before Slough made the important — if inevitable breakthrough.

Dowson again emerged victorious in the tackle and Fiore without hesitation lifted the ball back goalwards into the path of the scurrying Sayer. Bravely the little man got his head to the bouncing ball under challenge from Hayes goalkeeper Ian Chatfield and though the ball may have got there anyway, Morrys Scott made absolutely sure sliding in with the final touch.

Scott made for the Slough contingent behind Chatfield's goal, but his team-mates, jubilant at Sayer's role made for the returning striker.

Lincoln Manderson's looping header fell a yard wide of Bunting's post as Hayes attempted an immediate riposte but they were swimming against the tide now.

A swift interchange between Stanley and Fiore, a drag back and cross from the latter and Quamina should have perhaps done better than to power his header over the bar.

The interval only served to delay the verdict for Hayes. From the re-start Sayer unselfishly set up Stanley, but the unevenness of the pitch and a 'dodgy' first touch lost him the opportunity from 15 yards.

Town didn't have to wait long however for second goal. Again it was Fiore first time on that ineffective right foot, this time from 10 yards on the half volley after Darren Hancock's long throw had caused all sorts of panic in the Hayes defence and Stanley rose to flick on.

Riley ballooned a header over Bunting's bar and he then made way for the bulky Lance Pedlor but the former Woking forward would make no impression this day.
Stanley, booked early on, headed wide from Hancock's free kick and Hancock was again the supplier as Morrys Scott headed over.

Fiore twice sought out Sayer with driven crosses and on both occasions his intentions were thwarted by Chatfield while Steve Scott declined his chance of a shot on goal preferring instead to cross on his stronger right foot and Chatfield again intercepted.

With a minute left Dowson thundered forward seemingly determined to mark his big day with an assist at least, and when Sayer turned his cross back in front of goal Stanley seemed certain to score; a deflection made sure he didn't, but the victory and progress was already assured.