Rebels claim opening day victory

Slough Town

Slough Town

2
Sinclair (12), Sippetts (34)
Barton Rovers

Barton Rovers

1
Hassan (81)
League Attendance: 271 Paul Coyne
A superb volley from Steve Sinclair and a great team move that lead to a Garry Sippetts goal saw Slough edge past Barton Rovers on the opening day of the season.

Playing on a vastly improved Holloways Park surface the Rebels started brightly with debutantes Stuart Swift and Paul Coyne involved in much of the Rebels early play.

It was the ex- Burnham duo’s quick thinking that helped Slough take the lead early in the half. A short corner saw Coyne's cross punched away by goalkeeper Aaron Fletcher, but only to Sinclair who hit a first-time volley from the edge of the area into the roof of the net.

Slough had a hance to go further ahead soon after when Danny Murphy pulled the ball back to Sippetts who shot wide.

Midway through the half though that same combination combined again to see the Rebels go two goals ahead. An excellent low cross from Murphy was missed by Sonner only for Sippetts to tap the ball into the empty net at the far post.

Many would have thought Steve Bateman's men would go on to dominate the game, but in fairness to the away side they continued to pressure the Rebels defence with Desi Djuroke shooting at Jamie Jackson from the edge of the area.

In the second-half Slough started poorly with the away side on top, but Gary Fitzgerald’s men despite having a lot of the ball early in the half failed to create any chances.

It was the home side who had the opening chance of the half when Sinclair cut in from the right and saw his low left-footed shot well saved by Fletcher.

Slough then came close again when an excellent reverse cross from Shaun Byrne saw Sippetts head just over from a standing position.

With some Rebels players looking a little tired the away side began to take control. They deservedly pulled a goal back when Bilal Hassan found himself with space in the area. He coolly rounded Jackson and passed the ball into the empty net.

In the remaining minutes as the rain lashed down Barton went in search of an equaliser, but the Rebels kept the ball well and held onto victory.

Manager Steve Bateman will no doubt be delighted with the three points, but will know the Rebels will have to improve on their performance and especially their second half showing which they have shown in pre-season they are certainly capable of doing.

Barton Rovers Lineup

Fletcher, Maltay, Endersby, Hull, Daniels, Spencer, Peverall, Djuroke, Irish, Hassan, Preston. Subs: Harkin, Stanton, Dolan, Kierons, Child.

Rebels

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