Bizarre twist to Rebels' fate as jinx strikes in the Valleys

Slough's three game table-topping aim was destroyed by bizarre refereeing decision just five minutes from time at Penydarren Park on Saturday.

Having lost their way in a 0-0 draw with Boston last Wednesday, the Rebels were determined to claims their points on their trip to the Valleys, and put more pressure on Wycombe.

After a forgettable first half, Slough took the lead when Mark Fiore's pin mind cross was headed past Gary Wager by a stooping George Friel.

Merthyr moved up a gear with Marc Coates replacing Tucker in the 67th minute, and Trevor Boating was forced into several acrobatic saves to keep his goal in tact, while at the other end a sharp shot from Friel just cleared the post.

The drama came in the 85th minute with Slough's travelling band of supporters thinking the points were sewn up.

A clearance from Russell Edwards was blown back by the elements, and he watched with horror as it dipped just under the bar.

Bunting stretched to old the ball, but Mr Millichip (unlike Mr Poll at Yeading earlier this season) declared that this constituted a back pass.

The free kick was then taken immediately by Ceri Williams, with Slough being given no opportunity to form a wall, and Kevin Rogers rifled it home.

Whatever the referee had in mind he was able to produce a little miracle for the home side, and they were very apologetic to the Slough contingent afterwards, and even HTV were mystified when showing the game on TV in the evening.