SLOUGH were left disappointed after losing 1-0 to Buckingham in their Premier Division match at Stowe School on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

Team manager Bill Griffiths described it as a "great end-to-end game" and considered his team deserved to get at least a point, even all three, after a strong display.

Player Lizzy Totten added: "We felt victory was stolen from us as we played really well. We had plenty of possession and a few good opportunities to score."

She added: "The goal we conceded was disappointing, there was a bit of confusion and they took advantage. We had been defending well, but as we keep saying, we do need to start scoring more goals."

Buckingham's match-winner was Natasha James, who struck from open play just before the hour mark.

Despite their defeat, Totten remains upbeat, saying: "I feel we're improving as we go on and hopefully that will continue. I believe we're capable of climbing up the table."

Laura Bailey was voted their player of the match.

The Pink and Blacks remain third from bottom of the Premier Division standings, but level on points with the team immediately below them, Bowdon Hightown.

These two clubs, who have managed just one win apiece in eight games, meet at Upton Court Park this Saturday (12.30pm) in a crucial fixture for both sides.

"It's a six-pointer," admits Totten. "We're all aware of how important this game is and it goes without saying we need to win it."

With Kat McGonigle one of several players unavailable, Totten took over the captaincy when a much-changed Slough side took on Surbiton, also depleted due to international call-ups, in the Tier One Championship last Sunday. Not surprisingly, they were beaten 5-1 by the cup holders.

The Pink and Blacks were trailing from as early as the second minute with Georgie Twigg firing home from a penalty corner.

The former England star flashed a shot just wide before Slough shocked their visitors by equalising through Katie Jurdon with 15 minutes gone.

However, the hosts looked vulnerable at short corners and conceded goals to Emily Atkinson after 21 minutes, and Susie Catlin on the half-hour mark, before Stephanie Addison scored from open play to make it 4-1 at half-time.

Slough improved in the second half, particularly looking more solid in defence, and it was not until the 69th minute when Hannah Dennison added Surbiton's fifth goal.

Totten commented: "We were not at our best from penalty corners, but we played well in the second-half and held them until almost the end of the game."

For pointless Slough men, it is now seven defeats from as many Premier Two games, their latest reverse coming by a 4-1 margin at home to Tulse Hill & Dulwich.

Karan Channa netted the consolation goal, while Jack O'Connell (2), Kim Pullinger and Greg Rozenkranz were on target for the visitors.

This Saturday they make the short trip to play Wycombe, who are fifth in the table.