Goddard seals the points as Rebels down high-flying Ebbsfleet

Slough Town claimed their first victory of the season with a thoroughly committed 2-0 win over previously unbeaten Ebbsfleet United at Arbour Park, bookended by an early header from Tarik Gidaree and a stoppage-time clincher from Johnny Goddard.

The result rewarded a Rebels side that had been searching for the cutting edge to match their organisation.

The Rebels delivered a focused and disciplined display, defying expectations against an Ebbsfleet side that had entered the weekend sitting top of the Enterprise National League South table with three wins from three, having yet to concede a goal. By contrast, Slough had begun their campaign with a draw against Tonbridge Angels followed by defeats to Hemel Hempstead Town and Dorking Wanderers — results which had left them bottom of the table prior to kick-off. This win not only secured three points but also lifted them up to 15th place.

Scott Davies’ team, set out in a 3-4-3 formation, flew out of the blocks. Within four minutes, Tyrique Clarke swung a cross to the back post where Gidaree, completely unmarked, calmly guided a header across Mark Cousins and into the far corner. The early breakthrough brought Arbour Park to life, with 796 in attendance sensing that the Rebels could match their opponents stride for stride.

Slough looked sharp from set plays and Adepoju’s deliveries were particularly dangerous. On 23 minutes he whipped in a free kick that narrowly missed Kiki Oshilaja’s run at the near post. Dan Roth also tested the Fleet’s back line with a series of corners, one of which fell to Henry Ochieng to lash over from 30 yards. At the other end, Ebbsfleet’s clearest first-half opening arrived on 27 minutes when Josh Passley drove to the byline and cut back for Gene Kennedy, who fired over first time.

The visitors gradually asserted more possession but rarely breached the Rebels’ well-drilled back three of Reiss Greenidge, Scott Davies and Oshilaja. When Lennon Peake did work space for a curling effort just before half time, Adam Desbois was equal to it, pushing the ball clear before holding a Peake free kick in stoppage time to ensure the lead was intact at the interval.

Ebbsfleet made a triple substitution on 56 minutes to change the game’s tempo, introducing Barnes, Moncur and Coley. Aaron Cosgrave twice went close either side of the hour mark, first drilling wide from distance and then ballooning a shot high over the bar under pressure. Slough, however, refused to be rattled. Roth’s set-piece quality continued to ask questions and Myers, full of running, created an opportunity on 54 minutes when he cut back for Gidaree, whose shot deflected wide.

The Rebels’ substitutions added further energy. Goddard and Brian Nelson entered on 75 minutes and almost immediately created a pivotal moment. Goddard’s close control in the box teed up Roth, who thundered a strike against the crossbar from 20 yards. Moments later, Ojemen found Goddard whose shot flicked off a defender and behind, Slough continuing to look the likelier scorers.

Seven minutes of stoppage time raised nerves, particularly when Ebbsfleet’s Charlie Seaman headed narrowly over three minutes in. But the decisive blow came with just seconds remaining. With goalkeeper Cousins pushed forward for a corner, Slough broke swiftly. Substitute Jaiden Drakes-Thomas carried the ball out and released Goddard into open space. From long range and with the goal unguarded, the experienced wide man rolled a precise finish into the net to seal victory and spark jubilant celebrations.

The final whistle confirmed a statement result — not only Slough’s first win of the season, but also the first blemish on Ebbsfleet’s previously flawless record. The magnitude of the achievement was clear: a Rebels side under early pressure had overcome the league leaders with defensive organisation, tireless work rate and two well-taken goals.

Speaking about the result, manager Scott Davies said: "When you play teams like Ebbsfleet, it almost feels like a bit of a cup tie… David versus Goliath. No one in non-league football fancied us today, and that's absolutely fine.

“The odds were stacked against us, but I think we needed that one… backs against the wall at times, but we fully deserved to win.

"It was a real collective performance. Everyone to a man was fantastic. In terms of the intensity, the desire… all of the adjectives that you use to describe a Scott Davies team, I think were there today.

“The boys gave their absolute all. I said to the boys the other day, in my side, you have to run, you have to be willing to run. And I thought today they did exactly that.”

The match had added significance following the passing of Matchday Secretary, Mark Hunter the previous Saturday. Davies added: "That one’s definitely for Mark… it’s been a very emotional day, but the three points today were part of our team talk and why we got over the line.

“The supporters were brilliant as well… it just shows the emotion and how much people care about their football in this club.”