Single goal enough for Generals

Chris Bangura's goal on the stroke of half-time seals three points for Chesham United.

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A goal on the stroke of half-time from Chris Bangura was the difference between promotion hopefuls Chesham United and Slough Town, in a tight match at Amy Lane.

Slough came into the game on the back of a fine 4-1 win over second-placed Rothwell Town, but knowing that Chesham, who have already knocked the Rebels out of the Red Insure Cup, and who manager Steve Bateman considers to be favourites for the title, would pose perhaps the biggest test yet, particularly with stalwart Nathan Bowden-Haase missing through suspension.

Chesham threatened first through Leon Archer, but he fired wide from 20 yards as space opened up for him.

As the two teams settled down, the game predictably developed into a tight affair with chances at a premium. Mo Sharif headed Paul Edgeworth’s free kick well wide from 15 yards before Edgeworth sidefooted wide of goal after Steve Sinclair’s deep cross had been half-cleared.

Slough’s key chance of the first half was created by the lively teenager Sharif, who played a delightful ball into the box for Tommy Hayes, but the lone striker sidefooted wastefully wide on the volley with just Hayward to beat.

Just before half-time, Chesham landed a sucker-punch to take an important lead into the interval. Robbie Kean gave the ball away in midfield and Chesham took full advantage, with Steve Wales showing good footwork to find Chris Bangura, who ran through on goal and slotted past Ricky Perks.

The opening ten minutes of the second half belonged to Chesham, and the Generals had decent opportunities to put the game to bed. A fine save from Perks denied Bangura a second goal as he was played in on goal.

The Slough defence, including the returning Graeme Edwards, generally did well to repel Chesham’s attacks, and as the second half wore on, the hosts looked to contain Slough as the Rebels pressed forward looking for an equaliser.

However, it was not to be for Slough, who failed to test Hayward thanks to a combination of good defending and poor finishing, with Chesham denying the Slough players space in midfield, particularly the creative duo of Sinclair and Sharif, leaving Hayes rather isolated in attack. The closest Slough came was an Edgeworth header which flew just wide of the near post.

The introduction of Tyron Sealey and Danny Jordan came too late to have a significant impact as Chesham were able to grind out the victory and move into third place.