Guildford City stun sloppy Slough Town

By Rob Stevens • Published 24 Aug 2012 07:30 0 Comments

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SLOUGH Town boss Steve Bateman insists his side did not underestimate the challenge posed by newly-promoted Guildford City on Tuesday evening.

Rebels conceded twice in the second half to go down 2-1 to last year's Combined Counties Premier Division champions at Holloways Park.

The surprise loss follows Slough's positive start to the Southern Division One Central campaign on Saturday when they eased past Northwood 5-0.

But Bateman does not think his side suffered from complacency against newcomers Guildford, simply that they gave the game away too easily.

"We didn't underestimate them, the sides that come up always cope with the level above and I don't expect Guildford City to be any different. We didn't play great, we allowed them to upset our rhythm and I've not seen us give the ball away so cheaply so often, it cost us," he said.

"I was pleased with the response when we were two down - but that was only in the last 10 minutes. Both goals came from us giving away possession."

Guildford had the better of the opening period at Holloways Park, with their five-man midfield not letting Slough settle on the ball.

Rebels were aggrieved not be awarded a penalty after 35 minutes, though, when Danny Burnell appeared to be fouled just inside the area by Elvis Defreitas and the referee gave a free-kick rather a spot-kick.

City went ahead early in the second half when Tommy Tydeman found space on the edge of the box and lashed a shot into the top corner.

And it got worse for Rebels 20 minutes later as Dan Moody rounded goalkeeper Simon Grant to make it 2-0.

Slough piled forward in the dying stages but could only grab a consolation effort through substitute Ollie Burgress.

The disappointment at the final whistle was a far cry from the joy at Holloways Park on Saturday as Slough kicked off their campaign an impressive win over Northwood.

Nathan Bowden-Haase went close for Slough in just the fifth minute when he hooked Sean Sonner's header on to the crossbar.

Rebels took the lead not long afterwards as new signing Dominic Rhone played in Burnell and he crossed for Sonner to score.

Northwood played some positive football as they searched for an equaliser, but were denied many clear-cut chances by a solid Slough defence.

And the home side extended their lead after the hour mark when Burnell finished from the edge of the box and then Northwood scored an own goal.

The quickfire strikes killed off Northwood's challenge and Rebels put the icing on the cake late on as Burgess turned in Ashley Deeney's cross and then substitute Ben Abbey netted the fifth.

Slough host Corinthian in the preliminary round of the FA Cup this Saturday (3pm ko) and are then scheduled to play Beaconsfield SYCOB on bank holiday Monday (3pm ko).

However, if either team is held to a draw in their FA Cup clash then the replay will be on Monday instead.

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