Slough hold on to win seven-goal thriller

Arbour Park hosts a classic National League South encounter as the Rebels win a seven-goal thriller against Dulwich Hamlet.

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Arbour Park was the host of a classic National League South encounter as the Rebels won in a seven-goal thriller against Dulwich Hamlet, writes David Tancred.

There was a poignant moment in the fourth minute as play came to a halt with the whole of Arbour Park applauding in memory of Christian Rowe, marking a year since his tragic death.

Slough took the lead just four minutes later after a corner was only cleared as far as Matt Lench who whipped in a beautiful cross to Shane Bush, with the defender’s goalbound header touched into the net by Ogo Obi from close range, his first goal for the club.

In the 16th minute, Lench saw Dulwich Hamlet keeper Charlie Granger off his line and went for an audacious 25 yard looping strike with the effort being superbly tipped over the bar.

The Rebels deservedly doubled their lead on 22 minutes. With the ball reaching Lench just outside the area, the number 8’s effort superbly curled into the top corner to send Arbour Park wild.

On 29, Josh Jackman decided to have a go from distance with the defender’s effort being pushed out for a corner.

Since the second goal went in, Slough looked to remain firm at the back and try and hit Dulwich Hamlet on the break with the Rebels looking dangerous every time they went forward.

Just before half time, Obi found himself free in the six yard area with the forward unable to guide his header on target.

On 49 minutes Dulwich got themselves back into the game as Frankie Reymond found Jack Holland from a free kick, with the captain heading low past debutant Will Dennis.

But on 57 minutes The Rebels were awarded a penalty after a handball in the area from Joe Felix. Johnny Goddard was able to convert the penalty, with the number 11 smashing the ball down the middle into the roof of the net.

Slough then made it 4-1 on 66 minutes after good work from Francis Amartey down the left hand side, skipping past a Dulwich player and drilling the ball across goal with the unfortunate Joe Felix bundling the ball past Granger.

Dulwich cut the Rebels’ lead down to two on 78 minutes. Johl Powell got into the penalty area with the ball ricocheting to George Porter, who squeezed a shot under Dennis.

On 81, Dulwich were awarded a penalty after Luca Woodhouse bundled over Porter who was through on goal. Sanchez Ming converted the penalty, sending Dennis the wrong way to make the score 4-3 and set up a nervy finale.

But Slough did a great job of closing the game out, and nearly extended their lead in stoppage time, with substitute Imran Kayani pouncing on a Dulwich mistake, with the forward’s effort smashing against the crossbar.

This is Slough’s first home win since 15th September, and Scott Davies’ first home win as manager.

The Rebels will hope to continue their positive start to 2023 with an away trip to Chelmsford City on Monday night.