SLOUGH Town FC were sent crashing back down to earth after a 3-1 defeat at Hitchin Town in the Southern Premier on Saturday.

The Rebels had chalked up their first league victory with 7-1 thumping of Histon in their previous match last Tuesday.

But they failed to build on that mammoth win following a bad day at the office at Hitchin.

Rebels saw keeper Mark Scott sent off in the first half at Top Field, and the hosts capitalised in the second period to claim all three points.

Slough, with Stuart Lake replacing Guy Hollis and Warren Harris making his 50th appearance, were under pressure early on but Kane Smith could only fire over, ex-Rebels striker Simon Martin headed wide and Callum Donnelly's effort was saved by Scott.

But Scott was given his marching orders in the 23rd minute after appearing to aim a headbutt at Hitchin's Lewis Rolfe.

To add to Slough's misery, Hitchin were also awarded a penalty and, though replacement keeper Luke Williams saved the spot-kick, Kane Smith tucked home the rebound to put the hosts ahead.

Rebels, to their credit, refused to let their heads drop and equalised just two minutes later.

Lewis Putman found himself in acres of space and his cross was headed home by Scott Harris for his fifth goal in three games.

The goal came during a Rebels' purple patch that also saw Warren Harris go close.

But Hitchin remained a threat against the 10 men of Slough who began to tire in the heat as the match wore on.

Martin should have done better in front of goal then Rebels almost scored a second when a Scott Harris header bounced narrowly overt the bar.

But, after Williams had denied Jonny McNamara with a brilliant save, Hitchin regained their lead with 20 minutes to go when a ricochet in the box fell kindly to McNamara, who made no mistake.

Rebels attempted to claw their way back with Adam Martin forcing a crucial stop from Charlie Horlock and Scott Harris blasting wide.

But as the visitors pushed more men forward they were hit by a Hitching sucker punch when McNamara raced through and slotted past Williams.

With Scott suspended, Williams is likely to keep his place between the sticks this Saturday when Slough host Poole Town before they travel to Chesham United on Monday (both 3pm ko).