SLOUGH Town joint manager Jon Underwood has called for less football to be played in the Christmas and New Year period, writes Rob Stevens.

The Rebels have played four games in 10 days since Boxing Day – a run which began with a win against league leaders Wealdstone but ended with a slightly disappointing draw at home to Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.

Slough had a depleted squad to choose from last weekend and Underwood admits that some tired legs affected their performance, suggesting it has been one game too many for the players.

He explained to the Observer: “It was a disappointing game for us in terms of our circumstances around the squad and we were quite short on numbers.

“We had a few challenges with three players (Max Worsfold, Lee Togwell and Daniel Roberts) down ill 24 hours before the game and, on top of suspension and injuries, it made us very light.

“We wanted to win the game of course but it wasn’t made any easier by the size of the squad in terms of the changes we could make.

“There was some tired legs and Eastbourne were probably in the same situation with people that have played every minute through the Christmas period.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Slough Town could welcome back striker Daniel Roberts from illness for the trip to Billericay Town this Saturday.

“The game probably suffered as a result and upon reflection a point was a fair one. We tried to win it as we do with all our home matches, but we had a lot to contend with last weekend.”

On the idea of a Christmas break, Underwood suggested: “There’s probably one game too many at the moment – the one between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

“To play four times in 10 days is a lot to ask. It’s a period where you pick up injuries and people suffer from illness as well at this time of year. People have family commitments as well so it’s a tough slog.

“We love the Christmas period with the big games and you often get big crowds but it’s one game too many for me. The pros moan about it and our lads are clearly not professional.

“We’re giving them tonight (Tuesday) night off to keep people away from each other and not pass on germs. We feel it’s the right time to give everyone a break.”

The Rebels will return to training on Thursday ahead of a trip to Billericay Town this Saturday (3pm) and then travelling to Havant & Waterlooville next Wednesday (7.45pm).

Slough hope to welcome back both Worsfold and Roberts from injury but Guy Hollis is suspended on Saturday and Mark Nisbet remains sidelined with a knee injury.