CHAIRMAN Steve Easterbrook admits Slough Town are now trapped in the lottery of the play-offs.

The Rebels' slim hopes of lifting the Southern Division One Central title ended on Saturday after a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Leighton Town at Holloways Park.

Consecutive losses at such a crucial time in the season gifted the championship to pre-season favourites St. Neots Town, the Saints' second consecutive title and promotion.

Slough, however, must now win promotion to the Southern Premier via the play-offs, a feat they have failed to achieve in the last two seasons.

Steve Bateman's side lost 4-1 to Hitchin Town in the semi-finals last year and went down 4-0 to Chesham United two seasons ago in front of a crowd of over 1,000.

In an exclusive interview with the Observer Easterbrook, pictured right, said: \"It's been a very good season although we've lost our way a little bit in the last few games.

\"It's unfortunate that we've finished second in the league but it's still very good and now we look forward to the play-offs.

\"The play-offs are a bit of a lottery, it all comes down to the team that wants it the most so we've got to be up for it.

\"I'm hoping the players will perform as we know they can on the day.\"

The Rebels are likely to face Holloways Park landlords Beaconsfield SYCOB in the play-off semi-finals next week although Northwood can still sneak the final spot should The Rams lose to Daventry Town this Saturday (3pm).

Bateman's men conclude the regular campaign with a dead rubber match at Woodford United (3pm) looking to repeat the 2-1 win they enjoyed in early December.

Easterbrook also had positive news regarding developments with the planned new stadium at the old Arbor Vale School site on Farnham Road and the new academy that will launch in time for the 2012/13 season.

\"It (the stadium) is following its natural course,\" Easterbrook continued. \"We had a meeting about 10 days ago where we discussed how to proceed. The final touches are being made to the planning application and that could be submitted in the coming days.

\"The academy trials were well attended and we're going through the administration now. It's very exciting to have that up and running for September.\"