SLOUGH earned their first Premier Division point of the season after a 1-1 draw at Canterbury on Saturday.

But they left it late, with Mel Ball netting the equaliser just two minutes from time.

The Pink and Blacks made an encouraging start and dominated the early exchanges, creating a couple of good chances, only to find the home keeper in good form.

For the rest of the half there was little to choose between the sides although Slough went in at half-time slightly the happier team.

However, they were unable to press on and as captain Kat McGonigle admitted: “We didn’t play particularly well in the second half.”

They were made to pay in the 51st minute when Grace Balsdon put Canterbury ahead from a penalty corner.

Slough gambled four minutes from time and it paid off. They withdrew keeper Mila Welch for an extra outfield player with McGonigle taking the role of kicking back, and she was involved in the attack that led to theher side’s late equaliser.

Lizzy Totten took the ball on down the right flank and rounded the experienced Mel Clewlow before hitting over a well-placed cross for Ball to slide in and score.

The goal also earned Ball her side’s player-of-the-match award.

“We deserved to come away with a point,” said McGonigle, whose side will be looking to build on it this Saturday when they face East Grinstead at Upton Court Park (12.30pm).

It will be a tough game as the visitors include England internationals Sophie Bray, Ellie Rayer and Laura Unsworth.

“We will need to be at our best,” commented McGonigle. “We’ve had some pretty tight games with them in the past and this could be another.”

Dilly Newton and Kelly Morgan, who both missed the Canterbury game, are set to return, but Charly Brydon remains sidelined through injury.

Slough men were beaten 3-1 by Horsham in their first home Premier Two fixture of the season last weekend. Their goal came from Sunny Rai, with Sam Gill, Sean Pearcy and Chas Richardson netting for the visitors.

They are home again this Saturday morning, with Staines occupying the away dressing room.

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