SLOUGH Town joint-manager Jon Underwood has explained the decision to sign Matthew Stevens on loan from Peterborough United was too good an opportunity to refuse.

The Rebels have been struggling for goals this season having netted just seven in their first eight matches in the National League South.

Stevens scored 34 goals in all competitions for Kettering Town while competing against Slough for promotion last season, and Underwood has backed him to be a hit at Arbour Park.

He told the Observer: “We were looking at the situation before we signed Matt. All our strikers had done good things but had some disappointing moments as well and not made one of the shirts their own.

“We knew we had to do something in order to improve our goal return and it was too good an opportunity to refuse when it became apparent that Matt might be available.

“Matt had not played a competitive game in three weeks and probably needs one or two for match sharpness, so he will come on a lot for last weekend.

“He works very hard and is a finisher. He doesn’t give the defence any peace and comes alive in and around the box. He offers something different to the other three strikers we’ve got.”

The arrival of Stevens on loan means Perry Coles has been allowed to leave the Rebels in search of more regular football.

Coles made 27 appearances and scored 13 goals for Slough, including one in the play-off semi-finals win against Kettering last season.

Underwood commented: “Matt can be a real hit for us and something had to give, which in this occasion was Perry. It happened very last minute and you can’t really keep five strikers happy.

“We had some interest in Perry and thought we could not keep five strikers. We were prepared to let him go to get some regular football.

“It was the right thing for all parties and sometimes you’ve got to make these decisions in football.”

Slough welcome Oxford City to Arbour Park this Saturday (3pm) and Underwood expects another very tight game.

He said: “Oxford didn’t have a great start in terms of results but recently have been on a very good run at home.

“We’ve seen them play and know a fair bit about them. They like to play football and have a goal threat up front.”

“It will be another very tight game and could come down to who takes their chances on the day.

“We’re at home and can take some confidence into the game, so we can try to put a result on the board.

“Oxford will want to get a first away win on the board but we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen on Saturday.”

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