SLOUGH TOWN joint-manager Neil Baker is delighted that his new-look defence passed their first test in a goalless draw with Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

The Rebels began with new signings, keeper Jack Turner, left-back George Wells and central defender Alan Inns, but shared the honours in the first game at the now complete Arbour Park Community Stadium.

Slough matched their historic rivals in front of 1,047 spectators but had new keeper Turner to thank as he made several saves in a man-of-the-match debut.

Baker told the Observer: “I’m really pleased. It was a tough afternoon for both sides with the heat but we equipped ourselves well.

“We played a shape that we’re going to have to adopt at certain times this year, which is probably a bit more defensive than we play at home, but you’ve got to give respect to a Football League side.

“I thought we were excellent as a defensive unit. They had chances and probably should have done better a few times but, on the whole, I’m really pleased with how we defended as a side.

“And towards the end we were starting to break at bit more and have a few more chances, so I’m absolutely delighted.

“We were playing a side three levels above and if we go gung-ho against them you’re probably going to get strung out all over the pitch.

VIDEO: Neil Baker reacts to the 0-0 draw with Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

“There are going to be times this season when we’re going to have to adopt a similar shape. We’ve been working on three different shapes in pre-season and Saturday was one of the games where we played differently.

“Wycombe are an excellent side, they keep the ball well as you would expect. They were two minutes away from beating Tottenham Hotspur last year in the FA Cup, so we’re absolutely delighted.

“And the fitness levels from the lads, especially those that did 90 minutes, was really good.”

Baker continued: “Jack and George both had excellent games. George has got the lot to be honest, he has a good size, he’s quick enough, good on the ball, gets forward and defended very well.

“You saw why we went out to get Jack. He’s a top keeper and made some great saves. He kept a clean sheet for us and that was really good.

“He will want to work on his kicking because that’s a big part of his game and probably wasn’t as good as where he normally is, but he was excellent.”

He added: “There were excellent performances all around. You look at Nathan Smart, Sean Fraser, Nathan Webb when he came on and Simon Dunn. Everyone came out with credit on Saturday.

“And Alan Inns and Mark Nisbet started really well as the two central defenders.”

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