Rebels falter as undefeated home record slips away

The Rebels climb up the Ryman League Premier Division was halted this week as Paul Hardyman's team could only manage a defeat and a draw at home.

Saturday saw the Rebels lose to Purfleet after taking the lead through captain Graham Kemp in the 28th minute. But the game took a dramatic turn before halftime as Purfleet drew level through Martin Carthy.

Things went from bad to worse for Slough as they conceded a penalty just two minutes after the restart when Simon Line tripped goalscorer Carthy. Fleets John Cross stepped up, blasting the ball past Paul Wilkerson to give the visitors the lead.

The Rebels went further behind when substitute Jon Keeling beat the Slough offside trap. He found his way into the box and made a pin point pass to Martin Lawrence who slotted the ball home for a 3-1 lead to Purfleet. Line had a chance to make up for his earlier mistake when Roach was fouled inside the box but his spot kick crashed against the Fleets bar and the chance was gone.

Justin Channing was pushed forward and gave Slough a glimmer of hope after slotting home a flick by Neville Roach with 15 minutes left on the clock. Channing had a great chance to bring the scores level but he couldn't control his volley and the Rebels slipped to their first defeat at Wexham Park this season.