Supersub strikers save Slough

Late goals from substitutes Sean Sonner and Elliot Buchanan were added to by Steve Sinclair as Slough came from behind to beat Leighton Town.

Slough looked to build on Saturday’s 2-0 defeat of Soham Town, when fellow play-of contenders Leighton Town arrived at Holloways Park.

Leighton who were twelve points behind the Rebels at the start of the game albeit with a game in hand started the more brightly of the two and Aston Goss quickly warmed the hands of Ricky Perks with a well struck shot.

In a scrappy opening period, Slough’s best opportunity came from a right wing cross from Sinclair which was just too high for Martin who could not make significant contact.

However, after just seven minutes Perks was beaten as good work on Leighton’s left flank created a shooting opportunity, it seemed that the usually reliable Bowden-Haase would be able to clear the ball but he took one touch too many and found his clearance charged down by James Hatch for the easiest of goals.

Slough almost hit back immediately with Harper bursting from midfield and playing a one two with Dwain Clarke on the left wing but Harper’s shot was tame and easily saved by Marsh.

Leighton almost doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Ben Gallant’s thunderous shot arced over Perks who got the faintest of touches to tip it onto the crossbar.

With Slough not at their best and the passes going astray Leighton were largely able to control the first half although they didn’t force Perks into making too many saves of note.

The second half continued in much the same vain with Leighton harassing the home side and having the greater spells of possession. Nothing was clicking for the Rebels and the best chance of the game for Slough came when an Edgeworth corner was fumbled at the near post by Marsh.

Just after the hour mark, Leighton had a gilt-edged chance to double their lead, Perks was beaten by a looping shot which again hit the crossbar. The rebound fell to Goss who from three yards managed to blast over the untended net. There were suspicions of offside but this was a chance that the Reds would soon come to rue.

Slough, in need of inspiration, saw substitutions made in quick succession with Sonner replacing Martin and moments later Buchanan replacing Clarke. This had an almost immediate impact with Buchanan beating the right full back and firing a low fast cross past the face of the goal.

The momentum had switched inexorably in favour of the Rebels and they started to create the clearer chances and build pressure on the Leighton team. Slough earned a corner from this pressure and Edgeworth whipped the ball into the mix around the penalty spot. Sonner flung himself at the ball forcing it home for the equaliser with a brave diving header.

Seconds later and Slough had the lead, Buchanan who had looked lively since his introduction found himself on the right hand side of the area and he bent a wicked shot passed Marsh which clipped the corner of the keeper’s right hand post and nestled in the net.

The relief amongst the supporters and players alike was palpable and the celebrations were exuberant. Whilst this appeared to stun the Leighton players they were not willing to give up the points without a fight and Hatch had hearts fluttering with his shot from the right hand side of the penalty box which passed the outstretched Perks and almost in slow motion rolled passed the edge of the post.

There was to be no further concern for the Rebels, when Sippetts who had a productive first full 90 minutes for the Rebels almost opened his Slough account. He cut in from the right hand side which was proving a fruitful means of attack for the home side only to see his shot touched onto the post by Marsh. Slough were not to be denied however with Sinclair following up for the Rebels to seal the win and make the score 3-1.

It was a dramatic comeback from Slough who seemed slightly off the pace until the final twenty minutes when Bateman’s substitutions paid dividends.