SLOUGH Town joint-manager Jon Underwood believes that hard work was key to their 1-0 win against Welling United on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.

The Rebels extended their unbeaten run in the National League South to seven matches thanks to a wonderful second-half goal from Billy Clifford at Arbour Park.

The win means Slough are now within three points of the play-offs and have taken an impressive 27 points from a possible 60 against the 10 sides currently above them in the league table.

He told the Observer: "I'm delighted to beat another top side and it was a very good win. That's three teams we've beaten recently that have all been in the play-offs at the time.

"It was certainly not a classic in terms of it was a hard-fought affair but, to be fair, our hard work probably won us the game.

"Welling are a very good attacking side and a threat going forward but we worked hard to keep them out.

"We showed discipline and kept our focus to keep them out and hoped that a goal would come, which it did.

"We wanted to get as close as we can to the play-offs so a point was no good to us. We took a chance to throw on two forwards because of the position we're in.

"Welling were starting to get on top at that point but we took a chance and it changed the complexion of the game.

"We got the goal then went more defensive to hang onto the win, and that's how it worked out."

There has not been more than one goal separating the two sides in Slough's last seven league games and Underwood has explained the benefit of getting the better of such fine margins.

"If I'm honest, on chances both teams were probably worth a point apiece but lately we've been winning games 1-0 or 2-1 the games are so tight.

"Teams can often argue that they deserve more than they get out of games. They are hard-fought matches that go right to the final whistle and those fine margins win you points.

"If you do that consistently well then you will probably end up towards the top of the league.

"We've done that lately and it has lifted us up the league, but I'm sure our last three games will be decided by the odd goal."

He added :"We've done very well, particularly at Arbour Park.

"We've conceded nine goals in 10 games against the top sides at home, so we're very solid and Arbour Park is not an easy place to come."

Slough make the trip to mid-table Oxford City this Saturday (3pm) before returning to Arbour Park for the visit of relegation-threatened Eastbourne Borough on Easter Monday (3pm).