Rebels Progress In Cup At G's Expense

The Rebels swept aside Combined Counties League side Godalming & Guildford to reach the second qualifying round of the worlds greatest football knock out competition - The F.A Cup!

Eddie Denton’s Rebel Army dusted them selves down from the mid-week defeat at Whyteleafe and got back to winning ways against the lower opposition, in the end Slough managed to put just two past the Gees, with the eventual scoreline of 2-0 definitely flattered the visitors.

Eddie Denton continued to use his favoured 4-3-3 formation and it was clear from the outset that the Slough dial was set to attack! In the opening 5 minutes Slough had two great at opportunities to open the scoring but a Harris free kick went just wide and a Boot strike rattled both posts before slowly rolling to safety. The Rebels took total control of the match, Hodge was denied from close range and the returning Darron Wilkinson saw his powerful effort just graze the top of the crossbar.

The combination of Slough’s slick passing and great vision had the Surrey side chasing their own tails, and by the quarter hour mark is was unbelievable that the game was still goal-less. Further chances from Spencer and Boot could still not find the back of the net and the away side were stating the frustrate the Rebels.

Twenty five minutes in and Matt Miller looked set to score but for the bravery of the Godalming keeper. Both men clashed and the game had to be stopped while Slough physio Kevin Mcgoldrick checked on the star striker. It was the Goalkeeper that seemed to end up worse off as he was left visibly limping for the remainder of the game.

Five minutes before half time Glen Harris whipped in a speedy corner, Ian Hodge struck home just for the ball to be dramatically cleared of the line by a Godalming defender. The Slough players must of gone in at half time wondering if it was going to be ‘ one of those days’ .

Godalming & Guilford came out to the second half lucky to still be in the game. Soon after the whistle they nearly snatched an undeserved lead, a mistake in midfield let Godalming through on goal only for the striker to shoot wide of the post. Slough had been given a scare and they wouldn’t let Godalming back in the game after that warning.

A skilful run from Danny Steer down the left wing followed by precise cross found Tony Boot lurking in the area, Boot controlled the ball only to blast it well over the bar. Slough continued to dominate and Nick Gyoury went close with a stunning header, but once again the ball refused to go in.

Slough had played some beautiful football so far but none like what was to follow. Glen Harris carried out a wonderful tackle near the half way line, he beat three Godalming players before playing it into Matt Miller, once again the Godalming keeper charged out but this time Miller had time to compose himself before he pulled out a sublime chip over the keeper to finally give the Rebels their well deserved lead.

The away side looked to have given up and now were resorting to fouls to win the ball. The referee handed out 3 yellow cards in 7 minutes and Godalming were now in danger of going down to 10 men. Slough continued to apply the pressure but could not find the back of the net.

With twenty minutes remaining Ian Hodge looked set to double Slough’s lead but he could only watch his header crash off the post and bounce wide. An identical shot two minutes later also went wide from Hodge. But Hodges hard work eventually payed off when he converted a Ryan Spencer cross into the top of the goal.

Slough would go close on a few more occasions in the second half but the Godalming Keeper and Defence were able to keep the ball out.
Slough played some gorgeous football at times but were only able to convert two of their chances. Luckily for the Rebels the poor standard of opposition meant two goals were just enough to gain the victory and go through to the next round.

Slough now travel to in-form Croydon Athletic where they will no doubt meet much tougher opposition. The Rebels will have to be at their best on Saturday to gain a much needed 3 points.

The draw for the Second Qualifying Round of the F.A Cup will take place this Monday, log on to sloughtownfc.net to see who the Rebels will face in the next round.