Owusu at the double for Slough

SLOUGH TOWN striker Lloyd Owusu awarded himself the best 21st birthday present he could wish for - two more Conference goals which killed off Kidderminster and kept the scouts considering his future interested.
Owusu, whose big day it was on Friday, delayed celebrations until after the match in which he boosted the Rebels into the top half of the table with goals in the 42nd and 52nd minutes.

His work shoved Harriers back on the Conference roller coaster as defeat was coupled with- further problems for manager Graham Allner when goalkeeper Stuart Brock sustained a broken arm 23 minutes into the game.

Brock, who recently displaced Darren Steadman as Allner's first choice, fell awkwardly as Harriers defended a corner. The ashen-faced 21-year-old was taken to nearby Wexham Hospital and stayed overnight after it was discovered he had broken the radius bone in his left arm.

His place between the posts was taken by the versatile Paul Webb, but already the writing was on the wall for Harriers as they they fell prey to one of the hottest properties in the Conference. Owusu put the Rebels ahead at a deadly time, having first forced a corner on the right and then bundling the ball home in a far post melee with Webb palming the ball into the roof of the net.

Owusu later showed the skills which are attracting the interest of league clubs with a superb solo goal, skinning Jimmy Skelding on the right to reach Gary Brazil's through ball, then rounding Webb before sliding the ball home on the angle.

Harriers looked susceptible throughout to the Rebel favourite while seldom seriously threatening to break down Slough's experienced back five. Slough keeper Paul Wilkerson had only one shot on goal to contend with all game, a second half effort from Ian Arnold which he steered one-handed to safety.

Slough manager Brian McDermott gave striker Mark West a chance to earn himself a regular first team place, starting the game in preference to Gary Abbott whose goal famine was extended to eight games at Welling last week.

West, who looked hungry in the search for his first of the season, had a goal disallowed before a diving header following Gary Brazil's quick free kick and Paul Hardyman's cross after 18 minutes skimmed the bar.
Rising star Owusu then had a dress rehearsal for the goal which was to close the half when he rose to beat all comers to Danny Bolt's cross and glance the ball just wide of the target. Harriers rallied with the departure of Brock and the installation of the versatile Webb, the England semi-pro captain between the posts. Despite going a goal behind they produced typical Harriers football on a spongy surface which cut up badly.

Cliff Hercules scooping an early effort from Yates off the line and later, Doherty's deft chip over the advanced Wilkerson just drifting wide of the mark. With Slough relying on the break, West almost made it 3-0 when he headed Bolt's cross over the mark and just could not turn quick enough when Owusu stepped over Brazil's centre to allow his partner the opportunity.

Willed on by his young sidekick, West had a slender opening following Owusu's charge down the right, but saw the ball drift cruelly across an unguarded goal.
Arnold then had Harrier's best cleanest chance of the day but found Wilkerson's reactions good enough to foil a shot from point blank range.

The irrepressible Owusu, desire burning like hot coals on his feet, conjured a final opening with his speed down the wing, crossing to the far post where incoming Hardyman half volleyed just over the bar.