JON Underwood hopes to have signed two new players this week after watching Slough Town slip to a fourth consecutive defeat on Saturday.

The Rebels were beaten 1-0 at the hands of promotion rivals Chippenham with Andy Sandell scoring the game’s only goal at Arbour Park.

It is a result that leaves Slough outside of the Southern Premier Division play-off places for the first time since mid-August.

Underwood drew similarities to the game with Chesham, a loss that started the Rebels’ pointless run of form, and admits his side were too predictable at times.

But, that could soon be about to change with Slough hoping to confirm the new signings before the match at top of the table Leamington this Saturday (3pm).

“We are working to try to do a few things because we’re not hurting teams enough and a couple of fresh faces might give us a boost,” Rebels joint-boss Underwood told the Observer.

“They’re attack-minded players because we’ve not been hurting teams enough in recent weeks and have become a bit predictable.

“That’s not just a criticism of the players, but myself and Neil Baker as well.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Chris Flood takes a shot up goal but it was a fruitless day for he and Slough Town as there were beaten 1-0 by Chippenham.

“We are still in a good position in the league but we’ve got to find our form again or we will drop out of the play-off picture quickly, and that’s what we’re working so hard for this season.”

Slough started the clash with Chippenham well as top scorer James Dobson went close with a volley that found the side-netting before Chris Flood had an effort cleared off the line. Gavin James also saw a shot blocked in the goalmouth.

The visitors’ best chance in the first-half saw Rebels keeper Mark Scott block from Sandell.

With both defences on top, the match really needed a goal and Sandell provided it five minutes into the second-half.

The experienced striker scored with a far post volley after Will Richards flicked on a corner.

The Rebels failed to carry the same level of threat following the goal and looked toothless as they struggled to pick their way through Chippenham.

Slough piled on the pressure late on and sub Charlie Moone was unfortunate to see his shot deflected up onto the crossbar.

“It was very disappointing,” admitted Underwood. “It felt similar to the Chesham game where we were better in the first-half. The difference is we didn’t get a goal on Saturday. We had a couple cleared off the line and hit the side-netting.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Andy Sandell, far left, volleys in the only goal of the game at Arbour Park on Saturday.

“In the second-half we made a mistake at the back, and they didn’t defensively.

“On the balance of play and the chances we created it was an even game, but we made a mistake for their goal. Chippenham didn’t make a mistake so could say we didn’t deserve anything.

“It looked like the confidence drained from the players after the goal and we looked disappointing going forward.

“We looked to try the same things which is easy to defend against. It was predictable for the Chippenham defence. That was the frustrating thing and it’s really disappointing.”

Slough leave Arbour Park for matches away at league leaders Leamington this Saturday (3pm) and then Kings Lynn Town next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Looking ahead to Leamington, Underwood said: “You can look at it two ways. When you’re on the run we are on it’s not ideal, away at the top of the league, but it would boost our confidence if we could go and get the win.

“There’s no reason why we can’t because we beat them at home.”

On Kings Lynn, he added: “It will be another difficult place to go. It’s a long trip and difficult to gauge them on recent results.

“They’re a little bit inconsistent in terms of their form but we know it will be tough.”