Slough Town
2
Spasov (36), Beeden (46)
Maidenhead United
1
Ajose (52)
FA Trophy
Attendance: 1770
Lexus Beeden
On a tempestuous and memorable afternoon at Arbour Park, Slough Town edged past local rivals Maidenhead United 2-1 in the third round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, in what was playfully dubbed the "SL Clásico." Despite dreadful conditions courtesy of Storm Darragh, the Rebels battled through the wind and rain to secure their spot in Monday’s Fourth Round draw in front of a bumper crowd.
The contest, the first meeting between the sides in over two decades aside from county cup ties, kicked off in chaotic fashion with the howling wind influencing play from the outset. Long balls dominated proceedings as both teams struggled to adapt to the swirling conditions. Early exchanges were scrappy, with neither side able to carve out clear opportunities.
In the fifth minute, Maidenhead’s Shawn McCoulsky received a ball to the face at full force, briefly halting play as he recovered groggily. Slough had the first half-chance on nine minutes when Francis Amartey whipped in a dangerous low cross from the left, but there was no Rebel in sight to capitalize. Moments later, Slough forced a corner through David Ogbonna, but Maidenhead keeper Craig Ross managed to punch clear under pressure.
The frenetic pace was accompanied by physicality, as John Gilbert received an early caution for a foul on Reece Smith in the 20th minute, followed by Maidenhead’s Aidan Coyne entering the referee’s book for a challenge on Henry Ochieng. Despite the intensity, chances remained at a premium until the 36th minute when Slough broke the deadlock.
Gilbert delivered a trademark flat corner kick to the back post, and Slavi Spasov ghosted in unmarked to nod home his ninth goal of the season, with Ross struggling to get anywhere near the ball.
Maidenhead responded immediately, with Reece Smith striking the crossbar from range just four minutes later. The visitors had a golden opportunity to equalise on the stroke of half time. A defensive error by Scott Davies allowed Smith to play in Tristan Abrahams, but with the goal at his mercy, he side-footed wide, letting Slough off the hook at a crucial time.
The second half resumed with Maidenhead making a substitution, Joseph Ajose replacing Watford loanee Coyne. However, the Magpies were soon hit by a moment of brilliance from Slough defender Lexus Beeden.
In the opening minute of the second period, Beeden received the ball in midfield and weaved past multiple defenders before curling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner via the post, doubling Slough’s advantage in spectacular fashion.
Maidenhead, undeterred, halved the deficit just five minutes later. After David Ogbonna’s appeals for a spot kick were waved away, a swift counterattack saw Smith burst down the left and deliver a pinpoint cross for substitute Ajose, who calmly slotted home at the far post to make it 2-1.
With the momentum shifting, Maidenhead began to pile on the pressure. Will De Havilland came agonizingly close with a free header from a corner on the hour mark, while Smith’s crosses caused havoc in the Slough defense, particularly one in the 68th minute that nearly caught the wind and looped into the net.
Slough, however, were resilient, weathering the storm—both literal and metaphorical. Johnny Goddard replaced Amartey in the 72nd minute to provide fresh legs, and the Rebels nearly restored their two-goal cushion nine minutes later when Gilbert, played through on goal, dragged his shot wide. Moments later, Spasov had an effort blocked as Maidenhead defenders scrambled to keep their side in the tie.
As the clock ticked down, both teams made late changes, with Sam Barratt replacing Nathan Ferguson for the visitors and Sam Evans and Dan Roth entering for Slough. The Rebels expertly managed the final minutes, keeping the ball deep in Maidenhead’s half and frustrating their attempts at a late equaliser.
After four tense minutes of added time, the referee’s whistle brought an end to the battle. Slough’s mix of grit and moments of quality proved enough to outlast National League side Maidenhead in adverse conditions. The victory sends the Rebels into the last 32 of the Isuzu FA Trophy, keeping dreams of a Wembley appearance alive.
Image: George Beck
The contest, the first meeting between the sides in over two decades aside from county cup ties, kicked off in chaotic fashion with the howling wind influencing play from the outset. Long balls dominated proceedings as both teams struggled to adapt to the swirling conditions. Early exchanges were scrappy, with neither side able to carve out clear opportunities.
In the fifth minute, Maidenhead’s Shawn McCoulsky received a ball to the face at full force, briefly halting play as he recovered groggily. Slough had the first half-chance on nine minutes when Francis Amartey whipped in a dangerous low cross from the left, but there was no Rebel in sight to capitalize. Moments later, Slough forced a corner through David Ogbonna, but Maidenhead keeper Craig Ross managed to punch clear under pressure.
The frenetic pace was accompanied by physicality, as John Gilbert received an early caution for a foul on Reece Smith in the 20th minute, followed by Maidenhead’s Aidan Coyne entering the referee’s book for a challenge on Henry Ochieng. Despite the intensity, chances remained at a premium until the 36th minute when Slough broke the deadlock.
Gilbert delivered a trademark flat corner kick to the back post, and Slavi Spasov ghosted in unmarked to nod home his ninth goal of the season, with Ross struggling to get anywhere near the ball.
Maidenhead responded immediately, with Reece Smith striking the crossbar from range just four minutes later. The visitors had a golden opportunity to equalise on the stroke of half time. A defensive error by Scott Davies allowed Smith to play in Tristan Abrahams, but with the goal at his mercy, he side-footed wide, letting Slough off the hook at a crucial time.
The second half resumed with Maidenhead making a substitution, Joseph Ajose replacing Watford loanee Coyne. However, the Magpies were soon hit by a moment of brilliance from Slough defender Lexus Beeden.
In the opening minute of the second period, Beeden received the ball in midfield and weaved past multiple defenders before curling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner via the post, doubling Slough’s advantage in spectacular fashion.
Maidenhead, undeterred, halved the deficit just five minutes later. After David Ogbonna’s appeals for a spot kick were waved away, a swift counterattack saw Smith burst down the left and deliver a pinpoint cross for substitute Ajose, who calmly slotted home at the far post to make it 2-1.
With the momentum shifting, Maidenhead began to pile on the pressure. Will De Havilland came agonizingly close with a free header from a corner on the hour mark, while Smith’s crosses caused havoc in the Slough defense, particularly one in the 68th minute that nearly caught the wind and looped into the net.
Slough, however, were resilient, weathering the storm—both literal and metaphorical. Johnny Goddard replaced Amartey in the 72nd minute to provide fresh legs, and the Rebels nearly restored their two-goal cushion nine minutes later when Gilbert, played through on goal, dragged his shot wide. Moments later, Spasov had an effort blocked as Maidenhead defenders scrambled to keep their side in the tie.
As the clock ticked down, both teams made late changes, with Sam Barratt replacing Nathan Ferguson for the visitors and Sam Evans and Dan Roth entering for Slough. The Rebels expertly managed the final minutes, keeping the ball deep in Maidenhead’s half and frustrating their attempts at a late equaliser.
After four tense minutes of added time, the referee’s whistle brought an end to the battle. Slough’s mix of grit and moments of quality proved enough to outlast National League side Maidenhead in adverse conditions. The victory sends the Rebels into the last 32 of the Isuzu FA Trophy, keeping dreams of a Wembley appearance alive.
Image: George Beck
Slough Town Lineup
- 1 Charlie Horlock
- 2 Josh Jackman
- 4 Lexus Beeden
- 6 Jeanmal Prosper
- 9 Slavi Spasov 19
- 10 John Gilbert
- 11 Francis Amartey 20
- 12 Leon Chambers-Parillon
- 14 Scott Davies
- 15 Henry Ochieng
- 23 David Ogbonna 16
Substitutes
- 7 Gary Abisogun
- 16 Dan Roth 23
- 17 Oliver Spicer
- 18 Kweku Lucan
- 19 Sam Evans 9
- 20 Johnny Goddard 11
- 22 Noah Hay
Maidenhead United Lineup
Craig Ross, Will De Havilland, Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Nathan Ferguson (Sam Barratt 87), Shawn McCoulsky, Casey Pettit, Reece Smith, Owen Cochrane, Aidan Coyne (Joseph Ajose 46), Tristan Abrahams, Alan Massey. Subs not used: Harvey Collins, Ruben Carvalho, Brad Keetch, Manny Onariase, Miles Welch-Hayes.