Rebels begin 2025 with defeat at Wood

Slough Town endured a tough start to 2025 as they fell 5-1 to Boreham Wood in their National League South clash.

Despite flashes of promise, particularly in the first half, the Rebels struggled to maintain their composure against a dominant Boreham Wood side led by Kwesi Appiah, who netted a hat-trick, and debutant Matt Rush, who scored twice.

The Rebels entered the match with three changes to the starting lineup from their 1-1 draw against Chesham United on Boxing Day. Captain Josh Jackman, Dan Roth, and Sam Evans returned to the fold, replacing Jeanmal Prosper, Johnny Goddard, and David Ogbonna. The match kicked off with a sense of optimism for Slough, but that soon gave way to a challenging opening phase.

Boreham Wood started on the front foot, dominating possession and pinning Slough deep in their own half. Their first opportunity came within two minutes when a short corner routine ended with Kwesi Appiah firing over Charlie Horlock's crossbar. For the first 15 minutes, the home side's control was absolute, and Slough struggled to advance beyond the halfway line.

The Rebels, however, began to grow into the game around the 11-minute mark. A free kick on the left was delivered dangerously into the box, forcing a reaction save from Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore. Slough's appeals for a penalty shortly afterward were waved away by referee Tom Ellsmore, but it signalled a shift in momentum.

This newfound confidence was dealt a blow in the 19th minute when Scott Davies conceded a penalty, despite claiming he won the ball in a tackle. Appiah stepped up and slotted the spot-kick into the corner, despite Horlock getting fingertips to it.

Slough’s response was immediate and impressive. Just two minutes later, Slavi Spasov, one of the Rebels' liveliest players on the day, found space in midfield and delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Leon Parillon. The midfielder took full advantage, sliding the ball under Ashmore to restore parity.

Moments after the equaliser, Boreham Wood nearly regained the lead. Jon Benton's speculative strike from distance rattled the crossbar and bounced on the line before being cleared to safety. The tempo of the game increased as both sides traded chances. For Slough, Spasov's link-up play with Sam Evans created opportunities, including a deflected strike that earned a corner.

Boreham Wood’s Tom Whelan saw yellow for a foul on Spasov, but his reprieve came just before half time when a second foul went unpunished despite his already being on a booking. The first half ended 1-1, with Slough growing in confidence after a difficult start.

The second half began with Boreham Wood exerting pressure once more, but Slough initially held their ground. Dan Roth had two shots blocked in quick succession, while at the other end, Henry Ochieng cleared Lee Ndlovu’s goal-bound header off the line. Charlie Horlock, solid throughout the first half, continued to make key saves to keep the game level.

The match unravelled for Slough after the hour mark. Boreham Wood substitute Abdul Abdulmalik made an instant impact, setting up two goals in quick succession. In the 65th minute, Appiah latched onto Abdulmalik's through ball and calmly placed it into the bottom corner for his second of the game. Just four minutes later, Abdulmalik found Matt Rush, who rounded Horlock and slotted home from a tight angle to make it 3-1.

Slough attempted to respond immediately, with Spasov firing a shot on target, but Ashmore was equal to the effort. Tempers flared shortly afterward, leading to a critical moment. John Gilbert was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball altercation with Jon Benton, reducing Slough to 10 men in the 71st minute.

With a numerical advantage, Boreham Wood turned the screw. Appiah completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, heading home from a corner to make it 4-1. Rush nearly added a fifth moments later, hitting the crossbar before finally scoring his second of the game in the 88th minute, capitalising on another defensive lapse.

Slough made several substitutions in the latter stages, bringing on David Ogbonna, Ody Alfa, Francis Amartey, and Ollie Spicer. However, these changes did little to turn the tide, as Boreham Wood continued to dominate proceedings. The Rebels’ attempts to mount a comeback were limited to half-chances, and the defensive frailties that had plagued them throughout the match remained exposed.

For all their promise in patches, Slough were ultimately undone by Boreham Wood’s attacking quality, their own defensive errors and unfavourable refereeing decisions. Kwesi Appiah’s hat-trick and Matt Rush’s debut double showcased the clinical edge that separated the two sides. Leon Parillon’s equaliser was a highlight for the Rebels, but it proved to be only a consolation.

Slough will hope to regroup quickly and bounce back in their next fixture, a huge Isuzu FA Trophy Fourth Round tie at Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.

Image: Boreham Wood FC