Rebels soar to the top of the table

Ebbsfleet United

Ebbsfleet United

1
Bullard (79)
Slough Town

Slough Town

2
Roach (37), Hughes (43)
League Attendance: 416 Simon Line
Slough Town became joint leaders of the Ryman League Premier Division on Tuesday after their 2-1 victory at Gravesend and Northfleet.

In the first meeting between the two sides the Rebels were worthy winners, despite having to face an agonising last quarter as the referee played seven minutes of added time. Paul Hardyman made several changes from the Chesham line-up with Justin Channing and Matthew Bicknell sidelined with knocks picked up in Saturday's overwhelming victory.

Utility players Eddie Denton and Kenny Hughes filled the slots in the Slough team and, with striker Neville Roach bouncing back to full fitness after the close attention paid to him on Saturday by Graham Roberts, Slough started the match brightly.

With Slough striker Andrew Deaner finding his feet in the Ryman League Premier Division, both he and Roach combined well and it was Roach who eventually broke the deadlock. Mark Fiore's corner caused chaos in the Gravesend defence and, when the ball fell again to Fiore, he found Roach who slotted home his far post header in the 37th minute.

It was Deaner, searching for his first goal for Slough, who almost nicked a second strike for the Rebels. His header from Fiore's cross was just wide of the mark and Deaner also went close with a second-half shot which flew past the post.

Six minutes later Slough increased their lead after a run and cross by Deaner. After breaking down the right, Deaner found full back Hughes, who settled himself well and blasted his 20-yard effort past former Wycombe keeper John Cheesewright.

Slough's concentration slipped in the 79th minute when Paul Wilkerson, who appeared to be nudged in the back, let a cross slip from his grasp. But Gravesend striker Jimmy Bullard was on hand to bundle home Gravesend's first league goal of the season.

Wilkerson was forced to make several late saves as Gravesend looked for an equalising goal but the Rebels hung on for three well earned away points.

Ebbsfleet United Lineup

Rebels

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