Sleap Hints At New Striker

Clearly unhappy with Slough Town’s failure to secure a win against Walthamstow Avenue on Saturday manager Roy Sleap said after the match, "We created enough chances to have won easily but our finishing was very bad — it let us down.”

He said he would be taking immediate action to halt Slough’s goal famine by signing a striker. He did not reveal the player's name.

Slough produced plenty of good things in their play to suggest that if Sleap signs a consistent marksman then they could be challenging for league honours before the end of the season.

It was hard to believe Avenue were the home team as Slough dominated play, even when facing a tricky, swirling wind in the first half. Keeper Peter Spittle had virtually a free afternoon. But fine play by his opposite number John Payne, and Slough’s inability to finish off excellent approach work, kept the scores level.

Dave Kemp gave the home defence plenty of problems, having one shot saved and setting up chances for Mick Chatterton and Steve Tomkins in the first half.

Slough’s intelligent use of both full backs in overlapping runs nearly paid dividends after 50 minutes when Tim Turl fired in a fierce drive which Payne just managed to keep out.

Slough lost their grip midway through the second half but bounced back in a flourish of activity near the end.

First a penalty appeal for handball against Avenue’s Brian Jackson was turned down and then Payne was penalised for time-wasting only yards from his goal line. But Chatterton’s free kick was cleared.