Slough Town
2
Oxford City
1
Friendly
Slough Town claimed an encouraging 2-1 victory over National League North side Oxford City as Alan Julian's side produced arguably their most complete performance of pre-season so far.
Goals from Jaiden Drakes-Thomas and Ruben Shakpoke either side of Oxford's second-half equaliser ensured the Rebels returned to winning ways in their penultimate friendly, with Julian particularly pleased by a dominant first-half display against higher-level opposition.
The Rebels started brightly and deservedly broke the deadlock after 23 minutes. Brian Nelson's pass found Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, who shifted the ball onto his left foot before curling an excellent finish into the far corner.
Oxford responded well but Slough continued to create the better openings before the break. Jared Myers, whose work rate caused problems throughout the first period, forced an excellent save when his powerful strike was tipped over the crossbar on 36 minutes as the hosts went into half-time holding a deserved one-goal advantage.
Julian made three changes just before the hour mark, introducing Luke Holness, George Vorster and a trialist, before Ruben Shakpoke replaced Godlove Oppong two minutes later.
Holness almost made an immediate impact, only to see a close-range effort dramatically cleared off the line, and Oxford made Slough pay moments later. Humphries and Taylor combined neatly before Zak McEachran arrived to finish from close range and level the scores on 63 minutes.
Further substitutions followed as Dan Roth replaced Brian Nelson, only for the midfielder's evening to be cut short by injury five minutes later, while Kyle Brooks and Louis Walsh were also introduced for the closing stages.
With the match appearing destined for a draw, Slough found the decisive moment six minutes from time. Walsh showed excellent composure inside the penalty area to pick out Shakpoke, who controlled calmly before finishing beyond the goalkeeper despite a defender stationed on the goal line.
The winning goal maintained Shakpoke's excellent pre-season form, taking the striker to three goals in the campaign after previously scoring against Hayes & Yeading United and Basingstoke Town. Drakes-Thomas also moved onto three pre-season goals, while Walsh continued his productive spell with his second assist in three matches.
Speaking afterwards, manager Alan Julian felt the performance represented another step forward.
"I felt the first half was excellent," he said. "We could have certainly had one or two more goals in there. We created a lot of chances and I thought Jared Myers' off-the-ball work was so much better than what we've seen and what we've been working on with him.
"For me he creates the first goal. It's a wonderful finish from Jaiden, but without Jared doing that dirty side of the game, Jaiden doesn't get the opportunity. Jared's work enabled Jaiden to do what Jaiden can do."
Julian admitted Oxford enjoyed more control after the break but praised his side's response.
"We lost our way a little bit in the second half. We got a little bit loose in the middle of the pitch and Oxford are a very good team, so they're going to cause you problems. Mac (Josh McNamara) made a save or two and the game can go away at that point.
"But then up steps Ruben, and Ruben can do that. He's a class player and it was another good finish. Jaiden and Ruben can produce those moments and we know they're wonderful footballers."
The Slough manager also highlighted Louis Walsh's growing influence after the forward provided the winning assist.
"That's Walshy's second assist in three games now, which is good. He's kept his cool in the penalty area and picked out a great pass, put it on a plate for Rubes, who finished really well.
"Walshy's one with tremendous ability. On the training ground he does things that are incredible. We've just got to help him get that into games more consistently."
Julian believes the performance showed clear signs of progress ahead of the final stages of pre-season.
"We're definitely getting better and I'm really pleased with the direction we're going. Today was definitely a step forward. We spoke about building on the last two positive performances, and I felt we did that, especially in the first half.
"We'll continue to look for areas to improve, but we're heading in the right direction."
The only downside to the evening came with another injury concern after Dan Roth was forced off shortly after coming on.
"We'll have to get that assessed before I make any assumptions," Julian said. "He'd hurt his ankle in training on Saturday and we were 50/50 about even putting him on the bench, but he got the all-clear.
"He's a big part of what we're trying to do here and a wonderful human being. It's been a nightmare pre-season with injuries, so fingers crossed he's okay. Everyone at the football club sends him our very best wishes."
With one friendly remaining before the National League South campaign begins, Julian admitted attention is already turning towards the season opener.
"We're well aware the first game of the season is fast approaching and points are at stake. It's go time, isn't it? We're building and pre-season has been important for that, but we're looking forward to when it really counts."
The Rebels conclude their pre-season programme against Wealdstone this Saturday before the 2026/27 National League South season gets underway.
Goals from Jaiden Drakes-Thomas and Ruben Shakpoke either side of Oxford's second-half equaliser ensured the Rebels returned to winning ways in their penultimate friendly, with Julian particularly pleased by a dominant first-half display against higher-level opposition.
The Rebels started brightly and deservedly broke the deadlock after 23 minutes. Brian Nelson's pass found Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, who shifted the ball onto his left foot before curling an excellent finish into the far corner.
Oxford responded well but Slough continued to create the better openings before the break. Jared Myers, whose work rate caused problems throughout the first period, forced an excellent save when his powerful strike was tipped over the crossbar on 36 minutes as the hosts went into half-time holding a deserved one-goal advantage.
Julian made three changes just before the hour mark, introducing Luke Holness, George Vorster and a trialist, before Ruben Shakpoke replaced Godlove Oppong two minutes later.
Holness almost made an immediate impact, only to see a close-range effort dramatically cleared off the line, and Oxford made Slough pay moments later. Humphries and Taylor combined neatly before Zak McEachran arrived to finish from close range and level the scores on 63 minutes.
Further substitutions followed as Dan Roth replaced Brian Nelson, only for the midfielder's evening to be cut short by injury five minutes later, while Kyle Brooks and Louis Walsh were also introduced for the closing stages.
With the match appearing destined for a draw, Slough found the decisive moment six minutes from time. Walsh showed excellent composure inside the penalty area to pick out Shakpoke, who controlled calmly before finishing beyond the goalkeeper despite a defender stationed on the goal line.
The winning goal maintained Shakpoke's excellent pre-season form, taking the striker to three goals in the campaign after previously scoring against Hayes & Yeading United and Basingstoke Town. Drakes-Thomas also moved onto three pre-season goals, while Walsh continued his productive spell with his second assist in three matches.
Speaking afterwards, manager Alan Julian felt the performance represented another step forward.
"I felt the first half was excellent," he said. "We could have certainly had one or two more goals in there. We created a lot of chances and I thought Jared Myers' off-the-ball work was so much better than what we've seen and what we've been working on with him.
"For me he creates the first goal. It's a wonderful finish from Jaiden, but without Jared doing that dirty side of the game, Jaiden doesn't get the opportunity. Jared's work enabled Jaiden to do what Jaiden can do."
Julian admitted Oxford enjoyed more control after the break but praised his side's response.
"We lost our way a little bit in the second half. We got a little bit loose in the middle of the pitch and Oxford are a very good team, so they're going to cause you problems. Mac (Josh McNamara) made a save or two and the game can go away at that point.
"But then up steps Ruben, and Ruben can do that. He's a class player and it was another good finish. Jaiden and Ruben can produce those moments and we know they're wonderful footballers."
The Slough manager also highlighted Louis Walsh's growing influence after the forward provided the winning assist.
"That's Walshy's second assist in three games now, which is good. He's kept his cool in the penalty area and picked out a great pass, put it on a plate for Rubes, who finished really well.
"Walshy's one with tremendous ability. On the training ground he does things that are incredible. We've just got to help him get that into games more consistently."
Julian believes the performance showed clear signs of progress ahead of the final stages of pre-season.
"We're definitely getting better and I'm really pleased with the direction we're going. Today was definitely a step forward. We spoke about building on the last two positive performances, and I felt we did that, especially in the first half.
"We'll continue to look for areas to improve, but we're heading in the right direction."
The only downside to the evening came with another injury concern after Dan Roth was forced off shortly after coming on.
"We'll have to get that assessed before I make any assumptions," Julian said. "He'd hurt his ankle in training on Saturday and we were 50/50 about even putting him on the bench, but he got the all-clear.
"He's a big part of what we're trying to do here and a wonderful human being. It's been a nightmare pre-season with injuries, so fingers crossed he's okay. Everyone at the football club sends him our very best wishes."
With one friendly remaining before the National League South campaign begins, Julian admitted attention is already turning towards the season opener.
"We're well aware the first game of the season is fast approaching and points are at stake. It's go time, isn't it? We're building and pre-season has been important for that, but we're looking forward to when it really counts."
The Rebels conclude their pre-season programme against Wealdstone this Saturday before the 2026/27 National League South season gets underway.
Slough Town Line up
Josh McNamara, Michael Edegbe, Arthur Gregory, Joe Morrison, Keenan Quansah, Latrell Humphrey-Ewers, Brian Nelson, Kyle Brooks, Johnny Goddard, Jared Myers, Godlove Oppong, Luke Holness, George Vorster, Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, Ruben Shakpoke, Louis Walsh, Dan Roth, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist.