SLOUGH remain unbeaten in the Women’s League after defeating Canterbury 1-0 at Upton Court Park thanks to a late goal from Lizzy Totten on Saturday.

They share the Premier Division’s top spot with the star-studded Surbiton side with seven points from three matches.

The Pink and Blacks had lost the corresponding fixture 4-1 a year ago and the result is another indication of how much progress they have made this season.

Their improvement is particularly reflected in their defensive record. Twelve months ago the Canterbury result was the second of three successive 4-1 defeats, but this year they have conceded only one goal in three games.

Slough, who had held Bowdon to a goalless draw the previous week, again looked solid in defence with Dilly Newton and Kat McGonigle playing well, with in-form keeper Asha Tranquille-Day adding to their confidence.

With Lou Beaven also prominent, their approach work was promising, but the hosts were unable to create many clear-cut chances.

From a penalty corner, Newton had her effort blocked, while Beaven squandered an opportunity.

The Slough rearguard came under pressure as the Kent side made a bright start to the second half, but Tranquille-Day was in top form, making particularly fine saves from Vicky O’Sullivan and Grace Balson.

As the half progressed, Slough were very much in the game with head coach Kali Takher pushing Amy Sheehan into a more attacking role.

They were eventually rewarded with a little over 10 minutes remaining when they broke the deadlock.

From the fourth of their five penalty corners, the ball rebounded to Totten and from a melee she forced the ball home from close range.

Kelly Morgan was voted Slough’s player of the match.

A delighted McGonigle said: “It’s been a great start to the season for us and hopefully we can build on it.”

Takher’s team selection has not been helped by injury - he had only three on the bench last Saturday - and is hoping Georgina Bathurst, who made an impressive debut last month, will be fit for this Saturday’s game at East Grinstead.

Slough men secured their first win of the season by defeating Oxford Hawks 4-2 in Middx, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional One with Johannes Kloss (2), Ali Rahman and Rai Singh on target.

They are away to Eastcote this Saturday.

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