Worthing take the points at Arbour Park

Slough Town were unable to make back-to-back home league wins as in-form Worthing overturned an early deficit to claim a 2-1 victory at Arbour Park, extending their stunning run to nine straight wins in all competitions.

The Rebels of Slough had led at half-time through Wiktor Makowski’s fifth-minute header, but a second-half brace from Worthing’s prolific forward Brad Dolaghan earned the visitors all three points and moved them up to third in the National League South table.

Scott Davies made three changes from Tuesday night’s victory over Farnborough, recalling Tyrique Clarke, Johnny Goddard and Dan Roth to the starting eleven. New signing Ruben Shakpoke kept his place after scoring on his debut in midweek, forming an attacking front three with Makowski and Goddard.

Worthing arrived in formidable form. The Reds had won their previous seven league matches—each of the last three by a 4-0 scoreline—and had kept four consecutive clean sheets. Their momentum was evident in the early stages, but it was Slough who delivered the first blow.

Slough started brightly, with Shakpoke twice involved in the opening exchanges, spinning cleverly away from Joel Colbran and then helping force an early corner. From that set piece, Worthing only half cleared their lines, allowing Goddard to send a superb cross back into the box. Makowski timed his movement perfectly, directing a precise header off the inside of Josh Jeffries’ far post and into the net to give Slough the perfect start.

Worthing responded with a spell of controlled possession, but Slough remained disciplined. When Harvey Walker was dispossessed on the edge of the home penalty area, Worthing defender Joe Cook attempted to slide a pass through to Dolaghan, but it ran too far and Desbois gathered. At the other end, Clarke dispossessed Sam Packham high up the pitch, combining with Makowski before forcing Jeffries into a low save with a snapshot through bodies. Moments later Clarke curled another effort goalwards after linking with Shakpoke, but Worthing defended the danger well.

Despite Worthing’s reputation for slick attacking football, Slough succeeded in slowing their tempo, protecting their lead and threatening on the counter. A lively spell before half-time saw George Cox test the Slough defence down the left, while Colbran delivered a dangerous cross from the right that forced Desbois into a strong parry. The Rebels then broke quickly, with Myers firing across goal shortly before the interval.

Slough went into the break deservedly ahead, and the second half began with another good chance for the hosts. Desbois released Myers in space down the right and the winger cut the ball back to Clarke, who fired over from a promising position.

But Worthing’s pressure soon intensified, and Slough were forced into several last-ditch interventions. The turning point arrived on 60 minutes as a loose pass at the back allowed Worthing to spring forward. Jenks found Odokonyero inside the box and the substitute seemed certain to score, but Desbois produced a superb block. The rebound fell to Dolaghan and then Odokonyero again, but Desbois somehow kept the ball out on both occasions in a remarkable triple save.

That warning went unheeded. On 69 minutes, Worthing finally broke through. Colbran delivered another dangerous cross from the right, the ball ricocheted around the penalty area, and Dolaghan reacted quickest to tap home, drawing the visitors level and reaching double figures for the season.

Seven minutes later, Worthing completed the turnaround. Once again Colbran found space on the right-hand flank, firing a low ball across the box. Dolaghan controlled it superbly, holding off his marker before rifling past Desbois from close range for his—and Worthing’s—second of the afternoon.

Davies introduced Jaiden Drakes-Thomas and Peter Ojemen in an effort to re-energise Slough’s attack, with Luke Holness later replacing Walker, but Worthing’s defensive shape stood firm. Harry Ransom and Toby Byron in particular made several key clearances as Slough pushed for an equaliser.

The Rebels continued to fight, forcing Worthing deeper in the final minutes. Ojemen shot over inside stoppage time after a knock-down from Roth, and Holness almost latched onto a long ball from Desbois only for Jeffries to race off his line to smother. Despite six minutes of added time, the visitors held on to record another three points.

For Slough, the result is a setback after the high of Tuesday’s victory over Farnborough, but the fight, discipline and early attacking intent on display again showed that Scott Davies’ side are growing in competitiveness. The Rebels end the day third from bottom but remain firmly in touch with those above them as the season approaches its winter stretch.

Next up is another home test on Tuesday night as Slough welcome AFC Totton to Arbour Park, looking to respond immediately and build momentum again.