Rebels defeat Altrincham to reach FA Cup Second Round

Slough Town reached the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup for the ninth time in their history with a heroic 2-1 victory over National League side Altrincham at a rain-soaked Arbour Park.

First-half goals from debutant Ansu Janneh and Wiktor Makowski gave the Rebels a two-goal cushion before a nervy finale, as substitute James Gale pulled one back for the visitors to set up a tense final 25 minutes. But despite heavy pressure and nine minutes of stoppage time, Scott Davies’ side held firm to book their place in Monday night’s Second Round draw — the club’s first appearance at that stage since 2018/19.

For the Rebels, this was a day to savour. A club battling near the foot of National League South toppled a side sitting 19th in the National League — one division higher — through heart, discipline and moments of real quality.

There was a buzz around Arbour Park even before kick-off. Scott Davies had strengthened his depleted squad with three additions during the week: striker Luke Holness, midfielder Ansu Janneh, and veteran goalkeeper Carl Dennison, the latter arriving on dual registration from Langley to provide cover for Adam Desbois.

In defence, Reiss Greenidge and Tyrese Dyce both returned to the starting lineup after injury, while Kiki Oshilaja was named among the substitutes for the first time in two months. Jordan Greenidge also made the bench as he stepped up his recovery from a calf injury.

Davies made three changes from the Maidstone game, bringing in Tarik Gidaree, Tyrese Dyce and Jared Myers in place of Peter Ojemen, Brian Nelson and the suspended Harvey Walker.

Slough began confidently, pressing high and snapping into tackles. Inside two minutes, a swift combination down the right ended with Jaiden Drakes-Thomas firing just wide. Altrincham’s early response saw Kahrel Reddin whip a dangerous cross that Jimmy Knowles almost converted, but the ball was deflected behind.

The visitors attempted to dominate possession, yet their attempts to play out from the back were repeatedly disrupted by Slough’s energetic press. On 11 minutes, Drakes-Thomas again threatened after a neat exchange of passes with Scott Davies, but his effort sailed high.

Davies himself tried an audacious strike from his own half moments later, spotting goalkeeper Louie Fallon off his line, though the attempt drifted wide.

There was an early blow for Slough when Tarik Gidaree pulled up with a hamstring problem midway through the first half. His withdrawal prompted a reshuffle, with Roth moving to right-back and new signing Ansu Janneh introduced for his debut.

The change proved inspired. Janneh, full of energy and intent, made an instant impact. After Drakes-Thomas had seen a deflected shot win a corner, the resulting set piece was headed back across goal by Reiss Greenidge and Janneh reacted superbly, meeting it on the volley to fire the Rebels ahead on 33 minutes.

Arbour Park erupted, and Slough — brimming with belief — struck again just four minutes later. It was a goal of real invention and teamwork: Goddard’s clever back-heel on the left flank released Dyce into space, and the full-back’s driven cross across the six-yard box was turned home from close range by Wiktor Makowski for 2-0.

The underdogs were rampant. Drakes-Thomas rattled the inside of the post with a superb curling effort in first-half stoppage time, inches away from a third. Slough left the field at half-time to a standing ovation, their two-goal lead richly deserved after a first-half display full of energy and belief.

The National League visitors began the second half with renewed urgency. Within minutes, Isaac Marriott and Keaton Ward tested Desbois with fierce efforts from distance, both turned away smartly by the Slough keeper.

At the other end, Makowski was again fouled just outside the box, and Davies’ ensuing free-kick forced Fallon into a save low to his right. Slough thought they had added a third when Myers broke through and squared for Makowski to tap in, only for the flag to deny them for offside.

Dyce, impressive on his return, was replaced by Kiki Oshilaja on 64 minutes, prompting a switch to a back three as the Rebels sought to protect their lead.

Just a minute later, Altrincham found a lifeline. Substitute James Gale capitalised on a ricochet inside the box and slotted coolly past Desbois to halve the deficit. With their tails up, the Robins began to pour forward, stretching play wide and committing numbers into attack.

Sensing momentum shifting, Davies introduced Jordan Greenidge and Peter Ojemen for the hard-working Janneh and Myers with ten minutes to go. The changes offered height and physicality as the Rebels dug in for the final stages.

Altrincham’s hopes of forcing extra time were dealt a blow eight minutes from the end when midfielder Elliot Osborne was shown a straight red card following an altercation with Makowski.

Even with ten men, the visitors threw everything forward, forcing a series of corners and long throws as rain continued to fall. Desbois remained composed, twice claiming dangerous crosses, while Greenidge and Ojemen made crucial blocks as Slough dropped deeper to protect their advantage.

Nine minutes of stoppage time were indicated, and the tension around Arbour Park was palpable. Every clearance was cheered like a goal as the home side fought to the very end. In the final moments, Makowski and Drakes-Thomas cleverly ran the ball into the corner to eat up precious seconds before the referee’s whistle finally sparked jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands.

It was a result built on desire and tactical discipline, but also on moments of individual quality — Janneh’s instinctive finish, Dyce’s marauding assist, and Makowski’s predatory touch. Behind them, Davies and Reiss Greenidge marshalled the side superbly, with many other outstanding performances across the team.

For manager Scott Davies, this victory underlined the progress of his developing squad. After weeks battling injuries and integrating young players, this performance was a reminder of the team’s potential when experience and energy combine.

The result means Slough will feature in the Emirates FA Cup Second Round for the ninth time, joining the draw on Monday evening at around 6.45pm. The club have never reached the Third Round in their 135-year history — a challenge that will now fuel their next chapter in this season’s competition.

Attention will quickly turn back to league duties, but for one unforgettable afternoon, Arbour Park witnessed the magic of the Cup once again. Against a side from a higher division, Slough’s belief, bravery and unity proved decisive — and with the momentum of this victory, few will underestimate them in the rounds to come.