Rebels recover to take point at Welling

Slough fight back from two goals down to claim a point against Welling United at Park View Road.

Slough Town showed resilience and determination to fight back from two goals down and claim a valuable point against Welling United at Park View Road.

Second-half goals from Josh Jackman and Johnny Goddard completed the turnaround after a difficult first half, ensuring the Rebels earned their first away point since mid-December.

The Rebels made one change from their midweek fixture, with Henry Ochieng returning from suspension to replace Scott Davies in midfield. Slough started brightly and carved out the game’s first real opportunity inside the opening ten minutes. David Ogbonna found space on the right and drove towards goal, forcing a save from Rhys Lovett. The rebound fell to Johnny Goddard, whose follow-up effort was also kept out by the Welling goalkeeper.

After this early pressure, Slough found themselves under sustained attacks from the home side. Welling forced a series of corners, but the Rebels’ defence held firm. However, the hosts found the breakthrough in the 27th minute following a swift counterattack. Slough had committed men forward for a free kick, but when the ball was turned over, Ochieng’s miscontrol allowed Welling to break quickly. Deon Moore provided the decisive pass, squaring the ball for Scott Kashket to tap in from close range.

Barely a minute later, Slough’s problems doubled. Kashket struck again, receiving the ball inside the box before turning sharply and producing a superb looping finish over Charlie Horlock from a tight angle, making it 2-0 to the home side.

The Rebels were dealt another blow before the break as Dan Bayliss was forced off with a head injury, prompting the introduction of Scott Davies. Despite a moment of individual brilliance from Ogbonna just before half-time, as he weaved past multiple Welling players before seeing his cross cleared, Slough went into the interval two goals down with much work to do.

Slough made a change at the break, introducing Sam Evans for John Gilbert in an attempt to provide a more direct attacking threat. The second half started in scrappy fashion, with little action of note aside from a minor altercation between Evans and Welling captain Dave Winfield.

However, the Rebels found a way back into the game in the 55th minute. A well-delivered free kick from Goddard found Jackman in space, and the captain executed a fantastic looping header over Lovett to score his first goal of the season and halve the deficit. The goal reinvigorated Slough, who pushed forward with greater intensity, forcing Welling onto the back foot.

With the game becoming increasingly stretched, Slough continued to apply pressure. Edon Pruti saw a deflected volley loop behind for a corner, while long throws and set-pieces caused Welling problems in the latter stages. The pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute when Goddard, who had already provided the assist for the first goal, produced a moment of magic. Controlling the ball expertly on the edge of the area from a super long pass from Davies, he slotted past Lovett to complete the comeback.

The Rebels pressed for a winner in the closing moments, with Jeanmal Prosper seeing a deflected effort caught by Lovett, but Welling also threatened in stoppage time. Horlock was called into action, getting down low to deny Deon Moore’s header as both sides battled for the decisive goal. Ultimately, the points were shared after a hard-fought contest.

This spirited second-half display ended Slough’s run of seven consecutive away defeats in all competitions, securing their first point on the road since 21 December. Reflecting on the performance, manager Scott Davies praised his team’s resilience:

“In the grand scheme of things, today was a huge point considering we were two down at half-time. It’s a difficult place to go and play beautiful football, but fair play to the lads for finding a way back into the game. The support away from home was incredible as always.”