The Only Way Is Up

Woking

Woking

2
Jackson (1) Angus o.g.
Slough Town

Slough Town

1
Brazil (8)
League Attendance: 2829 Gary Brazil
TERRY Angus became the latest victim in Slough Town's worst start to a Conference season when he conceded an own goal which handed the points to Woking at Kingfield on Monday.

Angus is far from settled following his move from Fulham where he won a Division Three runners up medal in May.

Defence has been uppermost in manager Brian McDermott's mind after his side conceded 65 goals during the last campaign.

But the Cardinals, who like the Rebels were looking for their first win in four matches, took less than a minute to unhinge it, Jamie Jackson forcing the ball home from a scramble in the penalty area.

Witnesses to Slough's previous three games can testify to their spirit, and sure enough the they came back in the eighth minute with the goal which Gary Brazil has been threatening to score.

He cut in from the right and thumped a drive which Woking keeper Lawrence Batty could only parry into his own goal.

Though the match remained high on tension, it nevertheless produced few real goal scoring chances.
The Rebels almost dropped into arrears again in the 30th minute, but managed to hack a shot from Scott Steele off the line.

Jackson, however, teased the way for what was to be the winner, a soft chip into the area striking the head of Angus and ending up in the back of the net.

Slough these days seem to find their best in the role as underdogs and had by far the better of the second half.
But these are dogs that bark rather than bite and they were unable to make their football tell.

Though Woking created a couple of situations for Jackson and Kevin Betsy to increase the lead for the home side, Slough relied on the hard-working Brazil to crack open the Cardinals' defence.

The lack of composure which undermined Lloyd Owusu's late chance to equalise from close range seemed to sum it all up for Slough.

It was left for Woking's new boss John McGovern who went on to steal the all-important psychological boost. McGovern has inherited a squad with a background of dressing room bitching, but has tried to soothe and simplify.

The Cardinals have for a long time enjoyed their reputation as an attractive side, but McGovern has emphasised effectiveness.

Perhaps that was the difference between the two sides. Get in front and stay there seems to be the message - the football can wait.

Slough have now conceded 10 times - including two penalties and two own goals - this term, and blown their own myth that they are traditionally the league hares who who fall back down the field as the Conference race hots up. With only two points from a possible 12, the only way is up.

Woking Lineup

Batty, Betsy, Smith, Howard, Stewart, Brown, EIlis, Thompson, Payne, Jackson, Steele. SUBS: Hay, Hunter, Kamara (68, for Ellis)

Rebels

Slough Town FC is not responsible for content produced on external websites | Copyright Slough Town FC 2024