GAVIN JAMES is confident that Slough Town can achieve promotion this season after their 2-0 win against Leamington at Arbour Park on Tuesday evening.

Slough remain top of the Southern Premier Division after recording a seventh straight league win, and James believes that a collaborative approach is what has led to such strong form.

The striker, signed from Maidenhead United in the summer, told the Observer: “I definitely think we can do it.

“Sometimes it’s less about how good the players are and where they’re playing, and more about gelling as a team. That is what we do well, we give 100 per cent and that’s what gets us the results.

“It was a brilliant result in midweek. We knew that they would be one of the tougher teams and that a win would put us in good stead for the season.”

Playing under their new home floodlights for the first time, Slough got off to a rather nervous start.

The travelling side seemed to take control of the opening 10 minutes, but were unable to convert any opportunities into goals.

The Rebels responded by piecing together attacks from midfield and getting a hold of the ball more frequently.

The deadlock was broken by James in the 36th minute, hammering home from point blank range after Leamington failed to clear a James Dobson corner.

Happy with this contribution, the front man thanked his teammates for support in all forms. James said: “I was brought in to score goals, so it’s good that I’m doing that.

“I wasn’t best pleased with my first-half performance. I was a bit sloppy at times.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Slough Town striker Gavin James (amber) is denied by a combination of the Leamington keeper and defence, but he did score in the 2-0 win at Arbour Park.

“In our squad we all pull together and get each other though. We’ve bonded well so that’s really good.”

Slough continued to dominate in the second-half, standing up to any counter-attacks launched by the away side, before applying sustained pressure in Leamington territory.

It was man-of-the-match Dobson who eventually doubled the lead in 67th minute, bending a free-kick from 20-yards in to the bottom-right corner.

Number nine James believes that the tremendous support from the fans helped the players dig in until the final whistle.

“We’re trying to get the club back to where it used to be,” he said.

“Playing in front of big crowds mean that you have to raise your game, you’re doing it for them as much as you are the team.

“At the moment we’re giving them something to cheer about, so hopefully more and more will come through the gate.”

James recently earned a call-up for St Vincent & the Grenadines, and hopes he can draw on this experience to add to his value at Slough.

He explained: “It was a really good experience to play in front of a lot of people and with international players. It gave me a boost when I came back.

“We’re out of the World Cup and the Caribbean Cup Qualifiers so my focus is winning the league here with Slough.”

Slough welcome Dartford to Arbour Park for an FA Cup third qualifying round tie this Saturday (3pm).
 

The Rebels then host Ashford Town (Middx) for a Southern League Cup match next Tuesday (7.45pm).