Clash Of The Giants Is Just A Bore

This clash of the so-called giants at York Rd on Tuesday evening turned out to be the flop of the season. Both sides preserved their unbeaten records in the Premier Midweek League but provided the shivering spectators with little in the way of entertainment on the coldest night of the season.

If anything, Slough were slightly the more imaginative side against defence-conscious Maidenhead. But it was the type of game a rugby enthusiast might have enjoyed, for the ball was kicked for touch so often that the linesmen had nearly as much exercise as the players.

For the first 15 minutes the game had all the indications of being a cracker Slough switched into attack immediately and Maidenhead's goal had some early escapes. Bloom made a brilliant save from a hard shot by Day, a Ritchie shot hit the bar and Olson headed a cleverly flighted D'Arcy corner kick off the line.

Maidenhead also had their moments, stringing together a series of midfield passes in some promising build-ups. But the Magpies were too defence-minded, and all too often Chatterton and Tottman were left alone upfield to take on the Slough defence.

But it was Maidenhead who took the lead. Underwood, Boreham and Baker worked a midfield triangle, sending Tottman away to force a corner. Tommy James' wicked inswinger curled straight into the net, beating Wolstenholme and the rest of his defence.

This should have been the signal for the game to come alight, but after a few more fireworks it sputtered out. Maidenhead took up defensive positions and invited Slough to come forward. There was much to admire in Maidenhead's defensive play, particularly by Olson, but often they checked Slough by sheer weight of numbers.

Slough didn't help themselves. They ran straight at the middle of Maidenhead's defence, trying to force a way through. Some interesting scrum-like situations resulted in the penalty area, but little else was achieved. But these tactics did pay off in the 60th minute. Following a free kick Turl stabbed out his foot and sent the ball bouncing gently past Bloom, who dived too late.The rest of the game is best forgotten.

The result was no doubt satisfying to both sides, but there was little cheer for the supporters.