Rebels punished by early and late goals at Meadowbank

Slough suffer a 2-0 defeat at Meadowbank, with early and late strikes proving decisive for Dorking Wanderers.

Slough Town suffered a 2-0 defeat at Meadowbank on Tuesday evening, with an early strike from Jimmy Muitt and Jason Prior’s second-half header proving decisive for Dorking Wanderers.

The Rebels made the worst possible start as Muitt latched onto Harrison Foulkes’ long ball in behind the defence, rounded Adam Desbois and rolled the ball into the empty net with just three minutes played. Scott Davies later admitted: “It’s not the kind of goal Dorking usually score – just one long ball in behind – but we switched off and were punished.”

Slough regrouped after the setback, with Tyrique Clarke firing over from distance and Dan Roth seeing his throw eventually lead to a corner. However, Dorking remained on top for much of the first half, creating further chances through Muitt and Dennon Lewis. At the other end, Jared Myers was flagged offside when clean through, much to the frustration of the Rebels.

Davies made a double change at the break, introducing himself and Tarik Gidaree to shore up the defence after Peter Ojemen’s early booking. Slough began the second period with more control and Henry Ochieng twice tried his luck from range, while new signing Ruben Bartlett-Antwi was introduced to add attacking impetus.

Despite this, Dorking looked the more dangerous side and eventually doubled their lead eight minutes from time, Prior rising highest to head home from a corner. Slough’s best late chance fell to Jordan Greenidge, who saw his close-range strike saved after a Davies free kick caused problems in the home defence.

Reflecting on the result, Davies said: “The goals we conceded are avoidable — one long ball and then a free header from a set piece. Those moments have cost us. We probably should have scored four or five in the first three games in total, but we haven’t, and being toothless in front of goal is an issue we need to address.”

Despite a third game without a win, the player-manager remained upbeat about the group’s spirit: “We let the players speak after the game and I saw emotion in there I’ve not seen for years. That shows me the boys care.”

Davies was also keen to highlight the superb away following, with over 150 Rebels supporters among a 1,280 crowd: “Our fans were absolutely superb again. You feel bad because you want to give them something to go home with, but together we’ll look to put it right.”

Slough will look to respond at Arbour Park on Saturday, when unbeaten league leaders Ebbsfleet United provide the next test.