Slough Town
1
West (87)
Gateshead
0
League
Attendance: 559
Unknown
Slough manager Brian McDermott said he wanted to restore a bit of credibilty in this game after Saturday's disappointing Trophy defeat, and he got it with just three minutes to spare.
Mark West got the crucial goal, the third time he has struck in the final minutes. His winner was the reward for a good Rebels performance, that saw plenty of flowing football and a very solid defensive display, but just lacked that touch of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Gateshead, struggling in the bottom three of the table, had begun to lift themselves with a good run, and set about this game with a determination.
McDermott made a few changes to his side, resting some key players including Cliff Hercules and Terry Angus, while Gary Brazil and Gary Abbott started on the bench.
Robert Smith made his first Conference start since his injury a year ago, and put in a very solid performance, always calm and comfortable on the ball. And with Mark Fiore, in at left back for Paul Hardyman, injured after half an hour, Gary Duffy got his second taste of Conference football, after coming on for just a few minutes against Hednesford.
Mark West and Lloyd Owusu were the chosen front pairing for this game, and West especially looked very sharp with some delightful touches that kept the Tynesiders' defence on the hop.
After 21 minutes Danny Bolt's good run was rounded off with a cross that West headed into keeper Dean Williams' arms. And a minute later Bolt had a chance himself, set up by West flick, and hit his shot well with the outside of his boot, but it was just wide.
And just before half-time Lee Randall had a cross blocked, an the rebound fell to West who drove it towards the near post, Williams again cut it out.
Early in the second half a free kick for a foul on Owusu was headed on by Owusu and fell to Matthew Stowell in front of goal with the keeper drawn, but Stowe sent his shot over the bar.
Minutes later a good cross trot Abbott on the left was met by Garry Smart, but the defender did just enough to ensure Smart's shot went wide.
The visitors began to force some pressure after the hour mark, with Nicky Peverell's chip that just went wide the closest they came.
But Slough held firm in defence and a corner three minutes from the end brought their reward. West rose above the scramble and looped his header over the keeper.
Mark West got the crucial goal, the third time he has struck in the final minutes. His winner was the reward for a good Rebels performance, that saw plenty of flowing football and a very solid defensive display, but just lacked that touch of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Gateshead, struggling in the bottom three of the table, had begun to lift themselves with a good run, and set about this game with a determination.
McDermott made a few changes to his side, resting some key players including Cliff Hercules and Terry Angus, while Gary Brazil and Gary Abbott started on the bench.
Robert Smith made his first Conference start since his injury a year ago, and put in a very solid performance, always calm and comfortable on the ball. And with Mark Fiore, in at left back for Paul Hardyman, injured after half an hour, Gary Duffy got his second taste of Conference football, after coming on for just a few minutes against Hednesford.
Mark West and Lloyd Owusu were the chosen front pairing for this game, and West especially looked very sharp with some delightful touches that kept the Tynesiders' defence on the hop.
After 21 minutes Danny Bolt's good run was rounded off with a cross that West headed into keeper Dean Williams' arms. And a minute later Bolt had a chance himself, set up by West flick, and hit his shot well with the outside of his boot, but it was just wide.
And just before half-time Lee Randall had a cross blocked, an the rebound fell to West who drove it towards the near post, Williams again cut it out.
Early in the second half a free kick for a foul on Owusu was headed on by Owusu and fell to Matthew Stowell in front of goal with the keeper drawn, but Stowe sent his shot over the bar.
Minutes later a good cross trot Abbott on the left was met by Garry Smart, but the defender did just enough to ensure Smart's shot went wide.
The visitors began to force some pressure after the hour mark, with Nicky Peverell's chip that just went wide the closest they came.
But Slough held firm in defence and a corner three minutes from the end brought their reward. West rose above the scramble and looped his header over the keeper.
Slough Town Lineup
- 1 Paul Wilkerson
- 2 Garry Smart
- 3 Mark Fiore 15
- 4 Gary McGinnis
- 5 Robert Smith
- 6 Matt Stowell
- 7 Danny Bailey 14
- 8 Lloyd Owusu
- 9 Lee Randall 12
- 10 Mark West
- 11 Danny Bolt
Substitutes
- 12 Gary Abbott 9
- 14 Gary Brazil 7
- 15 Gary Duffy 3