SLOUGH made a disappointing start to their Investec League season after a 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Surbiton.

The result on Saturday came as no real surprise as the Pink and Blacks have lost all of their last seven encounters with the long-reigning champions.

Slough put the visitors’ defence under pressure in the opening 10 minutes and were not far away from taking an early lead.

They forced two penalty corners with Emma O’Nien going close from the first and Surbiton keeper Grace O’Hanlon saving well from the second.

However, they were then sent reeling, conceding three goals in a six-minute spell.

Their defence was caught napping as Great Britain and England midfielder Emily Defroand scored in the 19th and 20th minutes, and five minutes later Jo Hunter extended her the lead with a penalty corner deflection.

Mila Welch, making her debut in the Slough goal following her transfer from Reading, made a fine save from Erica Sanders.

However, Slough switched keepers at half-time with Amber Lewsey taking over between the posts and the only goal she conceded came in the 45th minute. From a penalty corner, Defroand’s shot was saved, only for international ace Giselle Ansley to put away the rebound.

Surbiton, who had won the corresponding fixture 8-1 last season, had further chances to score with Hannah Martin shooting past the left post and Alice Sharp lifting the ball over the bar.

Slough will take some heart from their second-half performance and should be capable of producing a better display when they visit the University of Birmingham this Saturday (1pm push-back).

The Pink and Blacks have made additions to their squad with two overseas signings - 22-year-old forward Camila Diaz Guzman, an Argentinian who has been playing for North West Hobart Graduates, and goalkeeper Clare Comerford, a 24-year-old Australian.

Slough have also registered club member Marisa Alderton with the league.

Promoted Slough men launch their Middx, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division 2 campaign by travelling to Bermondsey to face London Academicals on Saturday.

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