Generals win the points at Holloways Park

Slough Town

Slough Town

0
Chesham United

Chesham United

3
Laville (42, 60), Thomas (62)
League Attendance: 354 Ryan Parsons
Slough Town's unbeaten start to life in the Southern League, Premier Division came to an end at Holloways Park, as visitors Chesham United bounced back from three straight defeats and maintained their superb run against the Rebels.

Heavy rain in the area ensured that this Bank Holiday match would make for an interesting affair, and the inclusions of former Rebels players Alex Brown and Andy Ballard in the Chesham line-up added some extra spice.

Slough, meanwhile, are currently denied the services of Johnnie Dyer, Eddie Smith, Scott Harris and Warren Harris – who between them scored over 80 goals last season – and recent signing Darryl Thomas was fit enough only for a spot on the bench after a bout of ‘flu.

In the early going, both sides traded shots at goal, with Jamie McClurg seeing his effort gathered by Shane Gore and David Fotheringham hitting a shot well over Jake Somerville’s goal.

Gore needed to be alert to turn a strike from George Frith around the post a little later, and whilst the home side forced a number of corners, Gore was largely untested.

Veteran former professional defender Darren Purse headed wide for Chesham as the Generals cranked up the pressure, and three minutes before half time, they took a crucial lead. Ryan Laville chipped the ball over the advancing Somerville despite pressure from Guy Hollis, and the Generals found themselves with a half-time lead.

Laville was a threat again early in the second half, his shot coming back off the frame of the goal.

Slough mounted pressure of their own, and had their best spell of the game, creating several chances which they were left to rue missing.

First, Adam Cornell rose to connect with James Dobson’s corner, but the ball skimmed the post on its way wide of the goal. Shortly after, Dobson worked hard down the left and pulled the ball back to McClurg, who dummied for Cornell, but his shot was saved by Gore.

Minutes later, on the hour mark, the Generals made Slough pay for their profligacy with a second goal – the Rebels failed to clear their lines, and Laville was on hand to double his tally after neat interplay with Ashley Smith.

Just two minutes later, Chesham added a third to punish Slough further, Simon Thomas with the finish after turning away from Sean Fraser and holding off Reece Yorke's challenge.

Slough tried to respond, but George Short’s long-ranger was easily saved – and Chesham could and should have added to their three goals, but Laville put a free header over the bar, and Simon Thomas fired a penalty kick well over the crossbar in the dying minutes. The Generals had done more than enough, though, to maintain their formidable run against the Rebels stretching back to 1999. Chesham have beaten Slough in the last seven competitive meetings between the clubs.

One positive to take from the game was the long-awaited debut of Luke Knight following injury, the midfielder replacing Short late on. Joint managers Neil Baker and Jon Underwood will hope for more good news from physio Kevin McGoldrick ahead of the visit of Histon next Saturday, with so many key players absent due to injuries at present.

Chesham United Lineup

Shane Gore, Tommy Fletcher, David Lynn, Alex Brown, Darren Purse, Andy Ballard, David Fotheringham (c), Ashley Smith, Ryan Blake, Simon Thomas, Ryan Laville. Subs: Josh Cooper, Ryan Towner, Connor Wood, Mark Nwokeji, Jeanmal Prosper.

Rebels

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