Uxbridge
0
Slough Town
0
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Slough Town played out a goalless draw with Southern League Premier South side Uxbridge on Tuesday evening as preparations for the new National League South season continued.
It was an uneventful contest at Honeycroft, with clear-cut chances at a premium throughout. While the Rebels were unable to find a breakthrough, the evening provided another valuable fitness exercise for Alan Julian's squad, with a number of players continuing their return from injury and building towards full match sharpness.
Julian named a strong starting XI that included Keenan Quansah, who continued his return to action after featuring for the first time in pre-season against Fleet Town at the weekend. Joe Morrison also added further minutes before being replaced at the break as the coaching staff carefully managed workloads.
After a scoreless first half, six changes were made at the interval as Josh Brooking, Brian Nelson, Jurij Neretin, Louis Walsh, Tarik Gidaree and a trialist were all introduced. A further reshuffle followed on the hour mark before Luke Holness replaced Godlove Oppong for the closing stages.
The Rebels' best opportunity arrived 20 minutes from time when Louis Walsh met a lofted delivery into the box, but his effort drifted wide as both sides were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Assistant manager Donovan Chislett was encouraged by the defensive display and believes there are clear signs of progress as pre-season enters its final stages.
"Throughout pre-season you want to see bits of everything. We've shown a lot of attacking intent over the previous games but maybe not been resolute enough at the back. I thought tonight we put on a good defensive display for the most part."
Chislett also felt Slough's work in possession continues to improve.
"I thought some of our passages of play showed real promise and glimpses of what we're trying to build. With each game over the last three games, I think there's been increasing evidence of that, so that's pleasing."
While pleased with another clean sheet, he acknowledged there is still work to do in the final third.
"In terms of creating clear-cut opportunities or working their keeper enough, I agree that's clearly an area we need to be better at. Fair play to the opposition though, I thought they defended quite well and were well organised."
The assistant manager believes the final piece of the puzzle is increasing the intensity around the penalty area.
"It's that level of intensity in the final third and that real desire to beat your man, get across your man, get that shot off, follow up on rebounds and make that overlapping run. We're doing it, but not with the level of intensity that's required to break down a decent defence."
He also backed his forwards to improve as more of the squad returns to full fitness.
"We're getting closer and closer to having a full squad fit and healthy every single game now. Once we get all our attacking players fit and firing, I'm sure that won't be a problem."
There was encouraging news on the injury front, with Chislett confirming Josh Brooking's early withdrawal was only precautionary.
"He's felt his hamstring. I don't think it's too bad - more precautionary than anything else. It wasn't a good sight because he'd shown a lot of promise again tonight, but on the positive side I don't think it's a big one."
He also confirmed Ruben Shakpoke missed the trip as a precaution.
"He's just got bruised ribs, effectively. He'll be back in full training on Thursday and available for Tuesday."
Attention now turns to a sterner test as Slough welcome National League North side Oxford City to Arbour Park on Tuesday 28 July. Season ticket holders can attend the match free of charge.
It was an uneventful contest at Honeycroft, with clear-cut chances at a premium throughout. While the Rebels were unable to find a breakthrough, the evening provided another valuable fitness exercise for Alan Julian's squad, with a number of players continuing their return from injury and building towards full match sharpness.
Julian named a strong starting XI that included Keenan Quansah, who continued his return to action after featuring for the first time in pre-season against Fleet Town at the weekend. Joe Morrison also added further minutes before being replaced at the break as the coaching staff carefully managed workloads.
After a scoreless first half, six changes were made at the interval as Josh Brooking, Brian Nelson, Jurij Neretin, Louis Walsh, Tarik Gidaree and a trialist were all introduced. A further reshuffle followed on the hour mark before Luke Holness replaced Godlove Oppong for the closing stages.
The Rebels' best opportunity arrived 20 minutes from time when Louis Walsh met a lofted delivery into the box, but his effort drifted wide as both sides were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Assistant manager Donovan Chislett was encouraged by the defensive display and believes there are clear signs of progress as pre-season enters its final stages.
"Throughout pre-season you want to see bits of everything. We've shown a lot of attacking intent over the previous games but maybe not been resolute enough at the back. I thought tonight we put on a good defensive display for the most part."
Chislett also felt Slough's work in possession continues to improve.
"I thought some of our passages of play showed real promise and glimpses of what we're trying to build. With each game over the last three games, I think there's been increasing evidence of that, so that's pleasing."
While pleased with another clean sheet, he acknowledged there is still work to do in the final third.
"In terms of creating clear-cut opportunities or working their keeper enough, I agree that's clearly an area we need to be better at. Fair play to the opposition though, I thought they defended quite well and were well organised."
The assistant manager believes the final piece of the puzzle is increasing the intensity around the penalty area.
"It's that level of intensity in the final third and that real desire to beat your man, get across your man, get that shot off, follow up on rebounds and make that overlapping run. We're doing it, but not with the level of intensity that's required to break down a decent defence."
He also backed his forwards to improve as more of the squad returns to full fitness.
"We're getting closer and closer to having a full squad fit and healthy every single game now. Once we get all our attacking players fit and firing, I'm sure that won't be a problem."
There was encouraging news on the injury front, with Chislett confirming Josh Brooking's early withdrawal was only precautionary.
"He's felt his hamstring. I don't think it's too bad - more precautionary than anything else. It wasn't a good sight because he'd shown a lot of promise again tonight, but on the positive side I don't think it's a big one."
He also confirmed Ruben Shakpoke missed the trip as a precaution.
"He's just got bruised ribs, effectively. He'll be back in full training on Thursday and available for Tuesday."
Attention now turns to a sterner test as Slough welcome National League North side Oxford City to Arbour Park on Tuesday 28 July. Season ticket holders can attend the match free of charge.
Slough Town Line up
Full squad: Josh Brooking, Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, Michael Edegbe, Tarik Gidaree, Johnny Goddard, Arthur Gregory, Luke Holness, Latrell Humphrey-Ewers, Balu Makumbi, Josh McNamara, Ethan Mosdell, Joe Morrison, Jared Myers, Brian Nelson, Jurij Neretin, Godlove Oppong, Keenan Quansah, Dan Roth, Ruben Shakpoke, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, George Vorster, Louis Walsh.