SLOUGH Town extended their home winning streak in the National League South to five matches after a 2-1 victory over Chelmsford City on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.
Their successful run at Arbour Park began with a win against Hemel Hempstead Town back in early September and maximum points at home has helped The Rebels climb to second position in the league table.
Slough took the lead inside eight minutes and thanks to some hesitation from Chelmsford goalkeeper Carl Pentney. The former Maidenhead United stopper failed to make up his mind at a corner kick and it allowed Ben Harris to head towards goal with the ball finding the net after a deflection.
The visitors were unfortunate not to equalise when Shaun Jeffers cut inside onto his right foot and curled a shot from the edge of the box past keeper Jack Turner, but the ball hit the post.
Slough was gifted the chance to double their advantage as Harris sprinted onto a weak pass from Anthony Church to Pentney. Harris knocked the ball past the keeper but was brought down inside the box, earning Pentney a yellow card.
PHOTO: Ben Harris (far right) heads in the opening goal inside the first eight minutes on Saturday.
Harris dusted himself down to send the stopper the wrong way with the resulting spot-kick in the 40th minute. It is his ninth goal of the season and a third in as many matches for the in-form striker.
Chelmsford pulled a goal back three minutes into the second half when Jeffers found Sam Higgins inside the box and he was free to head the cross past Turner, who did manage to get a touch on the ball.
Harris came close to completing his hat-trick when a powerful long-range shot was tipped over the crossbar, whilst Slough had to be brave in defence late on with bodies thrown on the line to keep out a loose ball and secure all three points.
The Rebels return to action with a trip to third-in-the-table Havant & Waterlooville this Saturday (3pm).
Slough Town Ladies stand in sixth position in Division 3E of the Thames Valley Counties League after a 4-1 defeat at Badshot Lea on Sunday.
PHOTO: Slough striker Ben Harris has now scored nine goals in all competitions this season.
Goals from Eleanor Blake, Daisy Malloy, Sophie Sutherland and Deanna Taylor ensured all three points for the home team. The Rebels goal came from Shannon Daly but the visitors also had Bonnie Messit sent off.
Slough Ladies make the trip to second from bottom Bessingby Park Rangers Women this Sunday.
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