Brought Back Down To Earth

Slough came back down to Earth with a thud on Saturday Afternoon, The giant killing antics of last Saturday were soon forgotten as Worthing proved no pushovers in a well contested 1-1 draw.

Slough manager Eddie Denton named two changes to the team that beat Walsall last Saturday, both central midfielders Darron Wilkinson and Christian Metcalfe were replaced by Matt Murphy and Matt Seedel, two strikers by trade. This saw Glen Harris sit further back in the midfield as Seedel played alongside Striker Ian Hodges.

It was Slough who started strongest, within moments of the kick off Alex Haddow was steaming down the left wing, his delivery was perfect but Ian Hodges struggled to reach with his header and the ball went well over the bar.

But Hodges didn’t have to wait long to make amends for this, within 5 minutes the home side were ahead. Ryan Spencer showed true vision and created a chance from nothing. Spencer chipped defender Marc Pullan to set up Matt Seedel who, after holding the ball well placed a perfect delivery into the path of Ian Hodges, and Hodges didn’t think twice before clattering the ball into the back of the net, Slough had an early lead.

Slough continued to dominate and Ryan Spencer was a constant threat to the Worthing defence. His cross-met Hodges head, but a glancing header was pushed around the post by keeper Mark Ormerod, Alex Haddows corner was too strong and cleared by Clay Lamont.

Slough were certainly on a high, Alex Haddow’s pace was causing al kinds of problems within the visiting defence, a late Chris Dicker challenge on Haddow resulted in a free kick on the edge of the D, but Haddows low struck effort hit the wall and cleared to safety.

Haddow and Spencer linked up well to create the next effort for the home side, Haddows chip met Spencer who returned the pass to fall into Haddows path, the ball was unleashed but saved well by Keeper Ormerod, Josias Carbon could not pounce on the spilt ball before the clearance.

But this was to be the best Slough had to offer, with five minutes to go Eddie Denton was forced to replace Ryan Spencer who had taken a number of knocks during the game, Danny Steer came onto the field moving Alex Haddow into a more central position. This replacement seemed to chance the game as Worthing started to pick themselves up. Liam Collins made a darting run down the right wing and cut back passing Michael Murphy but Collins shot was weak and collected easily by Rebels keeper Shaun Allaway.

The Worthing coaching staff must have laid into their players at half time, the visitors seemed a changed team to the one on the pitch in the first half. Worthing were winning every ball and not letting Slough settle and runs and crosses from the wing proved dangerous.

Although no clear-cut chances were created early in the second half, Worthing controlled the game and held all of the possession. In fact it wasn’t until 15 minutes from time that Worthing created their first real chance on goal.

Liam Collins cross was headed out for a corner by Slough skipper Steve Daly. The corner was headed down by Chris Dicker but after a scramble Michael Murphy managed to clear to safety.

But with only six minutes remaining, Worthing managed to capitalise on their strong performance. The goal was always on the cards, a corner was whipped in and headed home by the unmarked substitute Sam Francis, who had replaced Clay Lamont just moments earlier, and the scores were level.

There was a late chance for Slough when Ian Hodges fed Glen Harris outside the area, but Harris’ effort was well wide of the mark.

In the dieing minutes of the game Worthing should have bagged all three points, James Saulsbury bought down Mike Phillips on the edge of the area, Sam Francis’ free kick was struck well but just millimetres wide of the goal.

Referee Smith blew for full time, much to the delight of the home support, which braved the weather to see their side back in league action.

Slough play in another cup competiton next Saturday, this time in the trophy where a trip to Chelmsford awaits. Slough need to perform much better that this afternoon if anything is to come from the game.