Campbell's double blow slays Slough

Slough Town’s FA Cup adventure came to an end at Windsor & Eton's Stag Meadow, as Yeading ran out 3-1 winners in the Second Round to deny the Rebels a dream Third Round tie — and a meeting with Premier League giants Newcastle United.

It was a bitterly disappointing outcome for Slough after such a spirited Cup run, but one that should not overshadow the immense effort, belief and commitment shown by the players and staff throughout this historic campaign.

On a grey, blustery afternoon at Stag Meadow, the stage was set for a tie of huge significance for both clubs. Slough, playing their home games away from their own ground due to ongoing council issues, were aiming to reach the Third Round for the first time in the club’s long history. Yeading, the Ryman Premier League leaders, had already gone further than ever before in the competition and were looking to continue their remarkable rise.

Despite the unfamiliar surroundings and the weight of expectation, it was Slough who made the perfect start. Only three minutes had elapsed when Alex Haddow surged into the box from the left and was brought down by Nevin Saroya. Referee Paul Vosper pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Glen Harris stepped up to calmly send former Rebel Delroy Preddie the wrong way, giving Slough a dream early lead and sending the large home crowd into raptures.

With the wind in their sails, the Rebels pressed forward. Haddow and Josias Carbon looked lively out wide, while Ian Hodges — the postman-turned-striker who had led the line so effectively throughout the Cup run — saw a powerful header blocked by Saroya after excellent work from Carbon on the right. Slough were on top and had Yeading pinned back, with the visitors struggling to find their rhythm in midfield.

But gradually the visitors settled, showing the quality and composure that had taken them to the summit of the division. Darti Brown began to influence play in the centre, while the electric Dudley “DJ” Campbell — in blistering form with 21 goals already this season — constantly threatened the space behind Slough’s back line.

The warning signs were there, and Yeading’s pressure finally told in the 27th minute. Brown struck a dipping 25-yard volley that crashed off the underside of the bar and bounced down on the goal line. In the ensuing scramble, Errol Telemaque somehow headed against the post, but Campbell reacted quickest to nod the ball over the line from close range for his 22nd goal of the campaign. Slough’s lead was gone, and the match was level again.

The equaliser briefly stirred Slough back into life. Harris tested Preddie with a curling free-kick from the edge of the area, and moments later Michael Murphy’s teasing cross almost dropped in at the far post. But the game soon became scrappy as tempers frayed. Saroya and Haddow clashed heads in a fierce aerial challenge, leaving both players bloodied and requiring treatment. Haddow was forced to go off for stitches, depriving Slough of one of their main attacking outlets down the left. With the balance of the team disrupted, Yeading began to dictate the tempo.

The first half ended with Slough on the defensive, struggling to regain their earlier control. Still, the teams went in level at the break — a testament to Slough’s resilience and to several solid saves from goalkeeper Shaun Allaway, who marshalled his area confidently throughout.

After the restart, the Rebels began brightly again. From a corner delivered by the returning Haddow, captain Steve Daly rose highest and powered a header goalwards — only to see the ball strike teammate Harris on the line and rebound to safety. It was a moment that summed up Slough’s luck on the day.

Just minutes later, Yeading punished that misfortune. Davis Haule broke down the right and delivered a precise cross into the six-yard box, where Campbell was inexplicably left unmarked. The striker made no mistake, heading past Allaway from close range to give Yeading the lead on 52 minutes. It was a simple goal, and one that visibly deflated the home side after their promising start to the half.

Slough tried to regroup, but Yeading were now in full control. Telemaque forced another save from Allaway after spinning sharply inside the area, and from the resulting corner the visitors struck again. Stanley’s deep delivery was met by Haule, who rose highest to glance his header into the far corner and extend Yeading’s lead to 3-1. Two goals in quick succession left Slough with a mountain to climb.

From there, Yeading showed why they sit top of the table. Hippolyte’s side managed the game expertly, withdrawing both of their dangerous forwards to protect the result and seeing out the remaining minutes with composure. Slough worked tirelessly to find a way back, but aside from a late effort from Hodges which Preddie held comfortably, they rarely threatened.

As the afternoon wore on and the fading floodlights cast a gloomy glow over Windsor Great Park, the ball was even launched out of the ground and into the parklands — “one for the Queen,” quipped a voice from the stands, as the home fans tried to lift the mood. But the match was already gone.

When the final whistle blew, Yeading’s players and supporters celebrated wildly, knowing that they had secured a place in the Third Round for the first time. The following day’s draw confirmed the reward for their efforts: a home tie against Premier League side Newcastle United — the kind of fixture Slough had been dreaming of.

For the Rebels, disappointment was evident, but pride was the overriding emotion. This FA Cup run — the club’s best in recent memory — had captured the imagination of supporters and reignited belief. From the early qualifying rounds to this Second Round tie, Eddie Denton’s side had shown character, unity and resilience in abundance. They had overcome higher-league opposition and provided memorable moments along the way, writing another proud chapter in the club’s FA Cup history.

Yeading’s quality ultimately told on the day, led by their prolific striker Campbell, who proved why he has drawn interest from Football League clubs. His manager, Johnson Hippolyte, was quick to praise him afterwards, describing him as “like a son” — and few could argue with his assessment.

Slough will reflect on what might have been — especially given their bright start and the fine margins that turned the game — but they leave the competition with heads held high. The team’s efforts, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, have given the supporters a Cup run to remember.

As the players applauded the fans at full-time, there was a sense of pride and gratitude that went beyond the disappointment of defeat. Slough’s FA Cup journey may have ended in Windsor, but it reaffirmed the spirit, passion and togetherness that define the club — and will no doubt inspire them for challenges to come.