JON UNDERWOOD admits that the 1-0 defeat at Banbury United on Tuesday hurt as Slough Town are desperate for success this season.

The Rebels suffered a first loss in the new campaign as Zac McEachran bagged a late winner for newly- promoted Banbury.

The defeat was harsh on Slough and it left Underwood believing it was just not the Rebels’ night.

“It was a good game and Banbury are a good side, but we played very well and definitely looked in control, but just didn’t get a goal,” Slough’s joint-boss told the Observer.

“Banbury struggled to get out of their own half and we played some good football.

“Charlie Moone had a great chance one-on-one but didn’t get his lob over the keeper, and Gavin James had a couple of half-chances.

“We were totally in control and had we got a goal we would’ve gone on to win the game.

“Banbury then came into it a little bit more and the second half was very open. The game got stretched with some tired legs on both sides.

“We defended brilliantly against Banbury’s pace, but they found some space with a couple of minutes to go and put the ball into the back of the net.”

Underwood added: “If it finished 0-0, we would come away a little frustrated, but football doesn’t always go your way sometimes and it was just one of those nights.

“It does hurt because it means a lot and we desperately want to do well, but if you’re going to lose I would rather do it player well than put in a poor performance.

“If we perform like that on a regular basis we shouldn’t lose too many games. It was a better performance than Saturday albeit in a different game.

“The pitch was more flat and not as bobbly, and it was a real fast-paced energetic game.

“In the first-half we looked a really good side yet we have come away with nothing.”

Slough visit Kings Langley, the Division One Central champions last year, on Saturday (3pm) and host Stratford Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Underwood commented:

“We know some of the Kings Langley players but not had the opportunity to watch them. They got a great draw on Saturday but had a narrow defeat on Tuesday.

“Any team that comes up has that energy, enthusiasm and confidence from last year so we are expecting a tough game.I'm sure they will be looking to get their first win."

Defender Mark Nisbet and wide midfielder Lewis Putman could be in contention for a return to the side from injury should they come through the training session on Thursday (last night).