Aylesbury United
0
Slough Town
0
League
Attendance: 1344
Unknown
In achieving a well-earned draw against top-of-the-table Aylesbury on Saturday, Slough town revealed an encouraging solid shape about their play, which pleased both manager and fans alike.
Manager Graham Roberts made changes to the side which were undone against Burnham last week and it was more a first choice side lining up at Buckingham Road in front of the highest gate of the season at 1344.
And Slough introduced new signing Chris White from Farnborough to the heart of the defence which helped keep Aylesbury at bay and allowed them only three real chances. Paul Wilkerson was again in good form and dealt superbly with the shots that did get through.
Striker Brian Hammatt was missing because of a one match suspension and Mark Fiore was pushed up alongside Andrew Deaner. It was a determined team performance and, although the condition of the pitch meant there was little sparkling football, it was an intriguing game of attrition between two sides who were looking for the win.
Roberts said: "I felt we played extremely well to stop a team that is top of the league. I am absolutely delighted and it's one of the best performances we've put in."
Aylesbury always looked the more threatening but Slough defended superbly and the home side could only manage three shots on target. Early on, Wilkerson made a great flying save from Crawshaw but then Mark Fiore almost got one past keeper Richard Wilmott at the other end. After beating two players, Fiore sent in a speculative drive from 25 yards which flew past the keeper and only just missed the far post by inches.
Slough survived a scare in the first half when Wilkerson's goal kick got stuck and went straight to a forward but the defence quickly closed down the opportunity.
In the second half, Aylesbury picked up the pace with some good attacking often inspired by wingback Jermaine Darlington, who looked one of the most exciting players on the pitch. But the Slough defence kept to their task and Wilkerson had little to do at one time, while Slough picked up their game and had three opportunities.
Steve Browne finished a great run by curling the ball round Wilmot and he just missed the far post by a lick of paint. Then Mark Fiore also went close twice in two minutes, the second from a diving header from close range and again it was just a foot wide.
Jason Soloman was near to snatching the game for Aylesbury when his first shot was save dby Wilkerson's outstretched legs and his attempt as the ball came back to him hit a post.
Debutant Chris White said afterwards: "It was a hectic introduction in a game played in a competitive manner. "It was as tough a game I have played in all season — and perhaps more so than I found in the Conference. One difference with the Conference is the goal finishing is not as sharp in this league. A rugged introduction, but I enjoyed it."
Slough's good result against a side that are unbeaten at home gives them hope for the campaign in the New Year. They are now in 16th place on 21 points with an 11-point gap to Hendon in fifth.
Manager Graham Roberts made changes to the side which were undone against Burnham last week and it was more a first choice side lining up at Buckingham Road in front of the highest gate of the season at 1344.
And Slough introduced new signing Chris White from Farnborough to the heart of the defence which helped keep Aylesbury at bay and allowed them only three real chances. Paul Wilkerson was again in good form and dealt superbly with the shots that did get through.
Striker Brian Hammatt was missing because of a one match suspension and Mark Fiore was pushed up alongside Andrew Deaner. It was a determined team performance and, although the condition of the pitch meant there was little sparkling football, it was an intriguing game of attrition between two sides who were looking for the win.
Roberts said: "I felt we played extremely well to stop a team that is top of the league. I am absolutely delighted and it's one of the best performances we've put in."
Aylesbury always looked the more threatening but Slough defended superbly and the home side could only manage three shots on target. Early on, Wilkerson made a great flying save from Crawshaw but then Mark Fiore almost got one past keeper Richard Wilmott at the other end. After beating two players, Fiore sent in a speculative drive from 25 yards which flew past the keeper and only just missed the far post by inches.
Slough survived a scare in the first half when Wilkerson's goal kick got stuck and went straight to a forward but the defence quickly closed down the opportunity.
In the second half, Aylesbury picked up the pace with some good attacking often inspired by wingback Jermaine Darlington, who looked one of the most exciting players on the pitch. But the Slough defence kept to their task and Wilkerson had little to do at one time, while Slough picked up their game and had three opportunities.
Steve Browne finished a great run by curling the ball round Wilmot and he just missed the far post by a lick of paint. Then Mark Fiore also went close twice in two minutes, the second from a diving header from close range and again it was just a foot wide.
Jason Soloman was near to snatching the game for Aylesbury when his first shot was save dby Wilkerson's outstretched legs and his attempt as the ball came back to him hit a post.
Debutant Chris White said afterwards: "It was a hectic introduction in a game played in a competitive manner. "It was as tough a game I have played in all season — and perhaps more so than I found in the Conference. One difference with the Conference is the goal finishing is not as sharp in this league. A rugged introduction, but I enjoyed it."
Slough's good result against a side that are unbeaten at home gives them hope for the campaign in the New Year. They are now in 16th place on 21 points with an 11-point gap to Hendon in fifth.
Slough Town Lineup
- 1 Paul Wilkerson
- 2 Mark Holzman
- 3 Micky Engwell
- 4 Chris White
- 5 Richard Peirson
- 6 Chris Seymour
- 7 Lee Francis
- 8 Graham Kemp
- 9 Andrew Deaner
- 10 Mark Fiore
- 11 Steve Browne
Substitutes
- 12 Lee Endersby
- 14 Eddie Denton
- 15 Simon Line