Slough hit four in home win over Worthing

Slough Town produced a stunning performance to dismantle second-placed Worthing 4-0 at Arbour Park in the ‘Battle of the Rebels’, securing only their second win in 14 league matches.

Despite coming into the game as underdogs against a side unbeaten in the National League South since November, the Rebels from Berkshire delivered a commanding display, punishing their high-flying opponents with clinical finishing and resolute defending.

The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams looking to make an early impact. Slough almost took the lead inside three minutes when Slavi Spasov found himself with a golden opportunity, but Worthing goalkeeper Chris Haigh reacted well to deny him from close range. Moments later, at the other end, Charlie Horlock was called into action for the hosts, making an important stop from Tommy Willard to prevent an immediate response from the visitors.

Slough’s positive start was rewarded in the 11th minute when a mistake at the back proved costly for Worthing. Odei Martin-Sorondo’s misplaced pass fell straight to John Gilbert, who kept his composure to fire past Haigh and give Slough an early lead. Worthing attempted to respond quickly, but their best effort saw Willard’s strike comfortably dealt with by Horlock.

The hosts were frustrated in the 15th minute when referee Nathan Oakes waved away strong penalty appeals after Spasov went down under pressure in the box.

Worthing’s task became even more difficult when Slough doubled their advantage in the 24rd minute with a moment of quality from player-manager Scott Davies. After David Ogbonna was brought down around 25 yards from goal, Davies stepped up and curled a superb trademark free kick into the net, leaving Haigh with no chance. The hosts were in full control and continued to exploit Worthing’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Just before the half-hour mark, Slough struck again to put themselves firmly in command. Ogbonna, a constant threat down the flank, raced on to his own flicked header and delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Spasov rose highest to head past Haigh for 3-0. Worthing, stunned by the hosts’ intensity, struggled to mount a response, and their frustrations were evident as Sam Beard and Charlie Spong both received yellow cards before the interval.

Slough nearly added a fourth before the break when Ogbonna found himself in space inside the box, but his effort dragged just wide of the post. A commanding first-half performance ended with the Berkshire Rebels in complete control.

Worthing, needing a reaction, made three changes at half-time in an attempt to shift the momentum. They started the second half brightly, with substitute Temi Babalola going through one-on-one against Horlock within two minutes of the restart. However, the Slough keeper stood tall and made an excellent save to maintain the home side’s three-goal advantage. Moments later, Nick Wheeler unleashed a fierce drive from outside the box, but Horlock was equal to it, diving low to his right to turn it away.

Despite Worthing seeing more of the ball, Slough’s defensive shape remained disciplined, restricting their opponents to hopeful long-range efforts. The hosts also continued to pose a threat on the counter, with Henry Ochieng forcing Haigh into a routine stop just after the hour mark.

Worthing’s best chance of the second half came in the 63rd minute when Babalola attempted to poke the ball past Horlock, but Edon Pruti produced a superb last-ditch block to keep the clean sheet intact. Soon after, a well-struck volley from Spong stung the gloves of Horlock, but the Slough keeper remained unbeatable.

The hosts made their first substitution in the 68th minute as Josh Jackman replaced Davies, and just five minutes later, Slough put the result beyond doubt with a fourth goal. Once again, Ogbonna was the architect, delivering a low cross into the box that found Spasov, who calmly slotted home his second of the match. The goal owed much to a tackle from Jeanmal Prosper in midfield which won possession, allowing him to find Gilbert, who released Ogbonna down the right side. It was a goal that epitomised Slough’s attacking efficiency, punishing Worthing whenever they left themselves exposed.

Ogbonna, who had been at the heart of everything positive for Slough, was withdrawn in the 79th minute, replaced by Francis Amartey. Slough also introduced Sam Evans for the impressive Spasov in a double change to freshen up the attack.

With the game all but settled, Slough saw out the remaining minutes with composure, limiting Worthing’s chances and managing the game professionally. There was still time for Gilbert to attempt a spectacular volley in the 88th minute, only to see his effort fly narrowly wide of the top corner.

As the final whistle blew, Slough celebrated a statement victory. The Rebels from Berkshire had been clinical in front of goal and solid at the back, frustrating a Worthing side that had looked unstoppable in recent months. Their defensive resilience, coupled with the creativity and finishing ability of Spasov, Ogbonna, and Gilbert, made for a near-perfect performance.