Slough Town 3-1 Tilbury

Slough sewed this game up in the first half when they scored their three goals against top of the table Tilbury. Bearing in mind Tilbury’s away record is more impressive than their home figures, Slough’s victory was even more praiseworthy.

The success puts them on top of Division 2 of the Rothman Isthmian League and their prospects of promotion are now much brighter.

Saturday's match was one of two contrasting halves. In the first half Slough were in complete control, with the back four looking more solid than at any time previously.

It was Lane who gave Slough the sort of start they needed in this vital clash. The home side won a corner on the right in the 10th minute, and when Tim Turl sent over the kick, Lane rose splendidly to head a fine goal.

Things got a little rough after this, with both sides guilty of some dubious tackling, and Lane was booked for tripping Tilbury left-back Commons. However, Slough did not let this upset them, and in the 36th minute they increased their lead when Turl picked up a poor clearance some 25 yards out, moved forward a couple of paces and scored with a curling shot into the top corner of the net.

Seven minutes later Slough put paid to any hopes that Tilbury might have had about a comeback, Centre back Welsh was penalised for dangerous kicking as Lane burst through, and Turl converted the spot.

The second half was a very tame affair compared with the first 45 minutes. Slough were content to sit on their lead, but although Tilbury pushed an extra man forward, they rarely looked dangerous.

When leading scorer Hawkins did get clear, he saw his shot brilliantly saved by Peter Spittle with a backward dive. Spittle hurt his back as a result, but carried on after treatment.

At the other end Tilbury left some at the back as they pushed forward in the search for goals, but Slough failed to take advantage.

With a minute to go Slough were robbed of the £25 bonus that would have been theirs with a winning three-goal margin.

Slough failed to clear a Tilbury attack, and with the linesman flagging for offside against Lee, Haslett beat Spittle from close range.