Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 9:00am

Strong squad needed for hectic run-in

by Patrick Corlett

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Football

Steve Bateman

SLOUGH Town manger Steve Bateman hailed the strength of his squad as they approach a busy end to the season.

With the bad weather of late, the Rebels - like most teams - have struggled to get games on so there will be a back log for the remainder of the campaign.

Bateman said: "Our strength in depth will be a factor as the season continues, especially if it keeps going, Tuesday, Saturday. And if it gets worse it will be Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

"We are talking two or three games a week if the weather continues to be bad."

Slough put four goals past both Bedworth United on Tuesday and Stourport Swifts a week earlier in their last two games and the boss is keen to continue to attack.

He added: "To score four goals away from home in difficult conditions is tremendous. They were two tough games but it is the way I set the team up.

"I try and get us to play. If we can keep clean sheets great but we want to win games.

"Chesham (United) were beaten at Bedworth, Hitchin (Town) went there and got a draw but we went there, scored goals and won.

"We will slip up but the fact that we've only drawn two games is because we are positive.

"We need to try to bridge the gap between us and first place and the only way to do that is by winning games."

Next up for Slough is a trip to Woodford United on Saturday and then they host Marlow on Tuedsay evening.

"Woodford have had five straight wins and are scoring goals, so it will be a tough game," confirmed the boss.

"Marlow is a local derby and they just gave Burnham a good game so they are a dangerous side and can beat anybody. There are no easy games in this league though, they will both be tough.

"But we need to keep putting points on the board. First and foremost we need to get results for ourselves to cement our position in the play-offs, then worry about the others."