Published: Wednesday, 30th December, 2009 5:00pm

Rebels face derby test

by Patrick Corlett

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Football

THE recent break with postponements has given Slough Town the chance to recharge the batteries before Saturday's clash at home to Marlow.

"We are just looking forward to getting back into action having missed out on the last two weekends at a time when we wanted to keep some continuity," commented boss Steve Bateman.

"We haven't been putting our feet up and doing nothing. The players will be praying for conditions to improve because they've worked very, very hard this week. It's probably the hardest I've ever worked anyone at this time of year knowing that we've had plenty of recovery time.

"It's not a case of no games, no action, we've used it to get a bit more in the tank to get us through January and February when it can be traditionally heavier grounds and it gives us an opportunity to recover from injuries."

Like Slough's clash with Beaconsfield on Boxing Day, Marlow's game with Burnham was postponed due to the weather but Bateman has seen them in action recently.

"I saw Marlow come back from the dead against a much improved Aylesbury (on Wednesday, December 9 to draw 2-2)," he said. "Marlow got out of jail thanks to a familiar face, Yashwa Romeo.

"They have been one of the inconsistent sides. I know their manager Kevin Stone well - we used to lock horns as players and I have a lot of respect for him. He says one week they don't perform and then the next they can beat anybody.

"We have to put in a performance to make sure that they don't beat anybody but they are all tough games in this league."

Despite Marlow's mid-table position, the Rebels manager expects nothing less than a tough test but they go into it in rude health.

He said: "There are a lot of teams waiting for you to turn up sloppy, thinking you are going to win and if you do, whatever their position in the league you will get turned over.

"We are clear at the moment apart from Graeme (Edwards) who is still struggling with his back. He sees a consultant next week as rest has not had the desired affect. It looks like he needs an injection or surgery which is a shame.

"Robbie Kean is carrying a little injury on his toe from an indoors session but I expect him to make the Marlow game as well as Steve Sinclair - the rest and recuperation he has had has done him good.

"Thomas Hayes returns to the fold, back from his travels. At the moment I can see us having 22 players wanting to be available which is good. I've still got people like Danny Jordan (pictured) to come back in from honeymoon and Ryan Fenton getting games at Bedfont - we've got good options."