A match we had started with high hopes of a victory ended with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of our hosts. Perhaps the writing was on the wall when we walked across the Stoke Rec pitch, discovering that it had been recently visited by one very large dog !!
With Alfie dropping out poorly on the morning of the match and Stef not being ready for the 11am kick-off (still strapping his leg together whilst looking around for Charlotte to do his laces up for him) Reesy and Michael were drafted into the starting line up at the last second.
Not sure we can use this as an excuse for the two early goals we conceded, we can try though ! but really it was down to 2 lapses in concentration and a bobbly pitch.
The first goal - we went to sleep as Slough took a quick throw-in and were a bit flat-footed as the ball went into the penalty area and a only good shot was able to beat Matt.
The second goal was part bad bobble, bad back pass but left the Slough forward one on one with Matt who was left with little chance. Its happened to us all and in theory we could have let heads drop and perhaps conceded more.

However this was far from the case as we were the dominating team from that 2nd goal onwards - and only the Slough keeper kept them in it as we pressed hard to get back into the game.

Lee hit the bar with a header - and Colin saw a strong shot parried away.
Little David played in Chris with a lovely pass but just couldn't get the right connection to finish.

h-t 2-0

The 2nd half continued in much the same vein as we kept dominating play, without creating clear-cut chances. However we still forced their keeper into two or three cracking saves.

Lee tried hard up front - did his Johnson/Drogba/Ronaldo impression in the area, but didn't fool the ref ! Even resorted to a handball but not only did the ref see it but even Stevie Wonder said it was blatant.

After a really strong performance by Jamie M at left-back in the 1st half - Jamie H took over and was equally as good. Elliott and Adam played well at the back so Matt was left with not much to do in goals - though he nearly got busted for his handball outside of the area.

However special word for Marc who when he came on as sub into central midfield and went on to be our player of the match - until he went off injured late on.
Lots of running, tackles and playing the simple ball - taking some of the pressure off Colin. Marc's style of play was very reminicent of one of the onlooking spectators (not you Duds) Paul. His commitment was most visibly demonstrated when making the most spectacular Norman Wisdom style low diving header in midfield to knock the ball out of play.

Sadly we couldn't score to put pressure on Slough.

Final score Slough Town 2 Beavers FC 0

Thanks to those that ran the line.

Starting Line Up
Matt; Elliott,Michael,Gibbo,Jamie M; Dave, Colin, Jamie H, Curt; Chris, Lee - subs Adam, Andrew, Stef, David, Danny, Marc