Rebels out of Emirates FA Cup

Slough Town's Emirates FA Cup journey came to a frustrating and controversial end with a 2-1 defeat to Woking at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in Fourth Round Qualifying.

Despite a valiant performance and a string of chances that could have turned the tie, Slough were left to rue missed opportunities and contentious refereeing decisions that played a decisive role in their exit. In the end, two goals from Harry Beautyman secured Woking’s place in Monday’s First Round draw.

Slough, unchanged from their home win against Tonbridge Angels the previous week, made the perfect start to the match, taking the lead in the 8th minute through former Woking striker Slavi Spasov. After Francis Amartey's cross was palmed away by Woking goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen, David Ogbonna quickly reacted, recycling the ball back into the area where Spasov bravely nodded it into the net from very close range. The 370 or so travelling Slough supporters erupted with joy as their team took a 1-0 lead.

The Rebels continued to press their National League opponents, creating several clear chances to extend their lead. Jaaskelainen made a crucial double save to deny John Gilbert’s strike from distance and Spasov’s close-range follow-up. Slough also had a strong penalty appeal when Spasov appeared to be tripped in the box, but referee Oliver Mackey waved play on, much to the frustration of the Slough contingent.

In response, an excellent ball into the box allowed Beautyman the time to get across the Slough defence and float a header narrowly over the bar. Slough then began to come under severe pressure, and the hosts had a shout for a penalty as the ball bounced off a Slough hand, quickly followed by a free header from Walker that went wide of the post.

As the first half wore on, Woking grew into the game, but Slough's defence stood firm against the pressure. Charlie Horlock, in goal for the Rebels, made an outstanding save to keep out Beautyman’s header as the home side sought a way back into the match. After an attack down the left by Woking captain Kelly-Evans, Slough had a chance to counter through Amartey, who ran through almost the entire Woking half before forcing a low save from Jaaskelainen.

Minutes later came a massive chance for Spasov to score his second. Gilbert laid the ball back to Henry Ochieng, who floated a ball in for Spasov to narrowly head wide of the right-hand post.

Despite Slough's resilient defending, Woking found an equaliser in the 43rd minute. A swift counterattack saw Lewis Walker break through and unselfishly lay the ball off to Beautyman, who tapped into an empty net to bring the score level at 1-1. It was a tough blow for Slough, who had controlled large parts of the first half.

The second half started with Woking pressure, resulting in a big chance for Walker, who took a lovely first touch after a lofted ball forward but mistimed his shot at goal, sending it wide.

A fantastic run forward by Leon Chambers-Parillon ended with him being brought down five yards outside the Woking box. Davies struck the wall with his attempt and then had a second go at it before going down in the box, with appeals again waved away. Shortly after, another free kick was awarded around 30 yards out, and this time Davies forced a save from Jaaskelainen, who needed to tip it over the bar.

Slough had another big shout for a penalty as Ogbonna tried to wriggle through a couple of Woking players, but once again, referee Mackey was unmoved. Instead, good work by Amartey to find Ogbonna on the right side led to the winger driving into the box before stinging the gloves of Jaaskelainen with a shot, earning the Rebels a corner.

Both sides looked for a winning goal, with Slough denied by an acrobatic clearance from Dion Kelly-Evans on 79 minutes after a couple of attempts from Spasov, the second of which was a looping header towards goal. Two minutes later, Woking substitute Dale Gorman teed up Dan Moss for what should have been a simple finish in front of goal, but he blazed the ball over the bar.

The match's decisive moment came in the 85th minute under highly controversial circumstances. Slough player-manager Scott Davies suffered a clear head injury after an apparent elbow from a Woking player. However, the referee did not stop play, allowing Woking to continue the attack. Beautyman took full advantage, curling a shot into the net to put Woking ahead 2-1. Davies protested vehemently, receiving a yellow card for his dissent. Moments later, after being substituted, he was shown a second yellow card and was sent off while on the bench.

The decision to let play continue while Davies lay injured left the Slough players and supporters incensed. Despite the injustice, Slough continued to fight until the final whistle. Substitute Sam Evans twice came agonisingly close to snatching an equaliser - first sending a header wide of goal, and later turning his marker before bending a shot around the goalkeeper only to see it cleared off the line by Adam Chicksen. Slough piled on the pressure in the dying moments, but Woking’s defence, led by Jaaskelainen and the heroic last-ditch efforts of their backline, held firm.

As the final whistle blew, Slough's players were left deflated, knowing they had done enough to deserve at least a replay. The Rebels had shown great heart and determination, but ultimately came up just short.

With their Emirates FA Cup run now over, Slough will turn their attention back to the National League South, where they remain firmly in contention for the playoff spots. The team will be eager to channel their frustration from this match into their league campaign, starting with a trip to Maidstone United next Saturday.