National League South: Heroic defending secures all three points for Slough Town FC

Two goals in the first half from in-form striker Ben Harris gave Slough a clear lead heading into the break, but Chelmsford City threw everything at them in the second period.

The visitors equalised through Sam Higgins early on in the second half, but Rebels players threw their bodies on the line late on to ensure all three points.

Underwood told the Observer: “It was a very tough game. We had to defend for our lives really in the second half.

“It was a relatively even first half but we managed to get two goals in front.

“Chelmsford are a good side, an experienced team and strong physically. We were delighted to get in two up at half time but we really had to defend well

“We nearly made it three right at the start to the second half but couldn’t take the chance and Chelmsford went straight up the other end to score.

“Chelmsford threw everything at us in the second half. We had to stand up to it, play on the back foot and defend more than we would have liked.

PHOTO: Slough Town striker Ben Harris (right) celebrates with Daniel Roberts (left) after scoring his second goal from the penalty spot.

“It’s difficult to remain composed on the ball when you end up defending a lot.

“Four players jumped in front of the ball late on and it was heroic last ditch defending.”

“It was a really tough game and we were really hanging on at the end, but at the end of the season you might look back and say it was a good game to win.

“You can’t play brilliant football all of the time. The guys dug in and battled, and I felt it was a really important three points.”

The win means Slough have now won their last five league games at Arbour Park and moved up to second position in the National League South table.

Underwood commented: “Welling and Chelmsford are two big sides at this level so to beat them is a great record and shows the good togetherness within the group. We knew that anyway but it shines through on occasions like that.

“We were missing regular players but one or two stepped up, like Ryan Bird at centre back, which just shows the strength of the squad .

PHOTO: Chelmsford keeper Carl Pentney (green) fouls Rebels striker Ben Harris inside the box for the penalty.

“I didn’t realise it was a fifth straight home league win but it’s a good record.

“We do enjoy playing at home and feel comfortable there. We have a way of playing that suits the pitch and want to make sure it’s a tough place to come

“If you can win your home games and pick up as many points as you can away from home then you’re not going to be far away.

“It’s a good record and we’ve done fantastically well at home over the years.”

Slough make the trip to third-placed Havant & Waterlooville this Saturday (3pm) and Underwood feels it will be a tough game against a full-time outfit.

He said: “It will be a great test for us but after two home wins we feel like the pressure is off us.

“Havant were everyone’s favourites when the season started and they train full-time which gives them an advantage.

PHOTO: Slough Town supporters at Arbour Park on Saturday.

“Everyone knows that they’re well-financed with very good players. They’re as strong as a lot of the squads in the league above.

“They’re on a good little run and had a good win last weekend, but we played against their manager and a few players at Sutton in the FA Cup last season so there will be no secrets.

“We’re not the type of managers or players to fear anyone but you have to respect every team in this league. They train full time as a group but we will go there with great confidence and belief.”

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