Whilst it’s certainly true that Slough Town were in much more need of the points than FC, it’s not to say that FC didn’t approach this game with a positive attitude and a willingness to perform at their very best. So it was proved as the home team ran out worthy winners. The difference between the two teams was finishing ability. Whilst FC made their precious chances count, Slough failed to capitalise on their many efforts and when they finally did grab a goal it was a case of too little too late.

Slough were the first to attack. Warren Maris broke into the box on 2 minutes and despite a clear view of goal, he elected to cross thereby allowing end of season revelation Rob Tomlin to clear the ball. FC were then dealt a blow when Sam Batemen went off injured to be replaced by Ben Bateman who slotted into the same central midfield position. FC had their first chance soon after this, a Gareth Price free kick which came to nothing before Slough responded. Steve Perkins just beat Edward Smith to a lofted cross which James Weatherill then gathered. A couple of minutes later Johnnie Dyer connected with a corner although his glancing header also cleared the post rolling harmlessly away. Slough continued to pressure the FC defence. James Dobson crossed from the left with Maris heading goalwards only to see the effort deflect away for a corner.

Brian Haule and Lamar Simpson linked well on 26 minutes however Lamar was unable to keep the ball under control and the chance went begging. Jamie Rudd, enjoying a recent purple in form, then fed Gareth Price whose near post effort was smartly saved by away keeper Jake Somerville. Slough’s best chance of the 1st half occurred on 32 minutes. A downwards header was cleared off the line by Ben Stevens and in the ensuing mêlée , James Weatherill punched the ball clear. A couple of minutes later Dyer fired in a snapshot that zipped past the post before being followed by an Edward Smith shot which hit the side netting.

As the half drew to a conclusion and against this backdrop of Slough pressure, Jamie Rudd opened the scoring in a somewhat surprising way. He collected the ball on the left and put in a cross which somehow, and some would say fortuitously, sailed over the keeper and into the net for a rather unexpected but no less welcome lead.

The second half was just a few minutes old when FC doubled their lead. Again it was Jamie Rudd in the thick of it as he fed the hugely impressive Gareth Price. Gareth’s shot was palmed away by Slough’s Somerville giving Brian Haule the simplest of chances from a couple of yards.

Johnnie Dyer attempted to get his team back into the game however Connor Baker intercepted his header deflecting it away for a corner. FC made it 3-0 on 57 minutes. Brian Haule and Gareth Price attempted a one two with each other and although Gareth was unable to pick up the return, Jamie Rudd was able and he crashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net much to the delight of the Drummer Boys in their favourite covered end.

Slough faced a Mission Impossible to retrieve anything from the game. On 61 minutes, substitute Adam Corwell glanced a header goalwards but it trickled away to safety. A couple of minutes later, two very quick yellow cards for Ben Stevens resulted in the experienced centre half receiving his marching orders. Utility man Kevin Mealor slotted into the centre of defense with great gusto forcing Brian Haule into playing behind lone target man Gareth Price as FC looked to utilise Price’s devastating pace to torment Slough on the break. With this formation and despite being a man down, FC carved the next decent opportunity. Good interplay between Lamar Simpson and Rob Tomlin saw the full back clear on goal however his shot was well gathered by Somerville.

Slough captain Guy Hollis looked to drag his team into the game and a goal at this stage could have given the visitors renewed hope however Hollis’ firmly struck effort was gathered well by Weatherill. Adam Corwell had the next opportunity for Slough. He beat the offside trap and chipped Weatherill but his effort also cleared the bar. Maris had a further chance as FC looked to defend deeper and deeper. His shot from the edge of the 6 yard box was hit with venom and only an outstretched Weatherill leg prevented a goal. FC had been pegged back for quite a few minutes however on 80 minutes they had a great chance to extend their lead. Price put through Lamar Simpson. Somerville narrowed the angle and performed a classy save from the nippy Aylesbury midfield man.

Alas FC were unable to keep a clean sheet and on 90 minutes, Slough claimed what turned out to be a mere consolation goal. Edward Smith careered into the FC box and after a bobble of the ball pushed the ball under the advancing keeper. The final whistle was met by a loud cheer from home supporters and as the team left the field there were big cheers for bosses Steve Bateman, Steve Perkins and Fraser McLachlan for masterminding such a welcome win.

Line Up:
1. James Weatherill
2. Robert Tomlin
3. Conner Baker
4. Sam Bateman Sub Off '11
5. Steve Perkins
6. Ben Stevens Yellow Card '61 Sent Off '63
7. Jamie Rudd Goal '45, Goal '57, Man of the Match '90
8. Kevin Mealor
14. Gareth Price
10. Brian Haule Goal '47
11. Lamar Simpson Sub Off '85

Used Subs:
12. Ben Bateman Sub On '11
17. Jacob Lowe Sub On '85

Unused Subs:
17. Fraser McLachlan
15. Greg Copcutt
16. Derek Feyi