Slough hit back with quick-fire double to sink Stratford
TWO goals in the space of three second-half minutes condemned Stratford Town to a 2-1 defeat against Slough Town at the DCS Stadium on Tuesday night.
Richard Gregory put Stratford ahead in the 26th minute with his 11th goal of the season in a first half of few chances.
But Slough came roaring back, dominating the second half and they claimed a deserved three points with quick-fire strikes from Warren Harris and on-loan Fulham striker Elijah Adebayo.
Town started the game brightly and went close to opening the scoring in the first minute when Gregory’s shot flashed just wide.
Neither side could carve out a real clear-cut chance though until the opening goal in the 26th minute.
Will Grocott’s free-kick into the area found an unmarked Gregory and the striker directed a looping header past Slough goalkeeper Mark Scott.
Slough had their first proper sight at goal on the half-hour mark when Harris fired over as Town made a hash of clearing a corner and moments later Niall Cooper produced a fine save to hold a Lee Togwell volley from the edge of the area.
Town kept pressing and went so close to doubling their lead on the stroke of half-time. Simeon Tulloch’s throw-in caught the Slough defence napping and Mike Taylor took full advantage, only to fire his effort inches over the bar.
The second half was a completely different story with Slough dominating for long periods and showing why they are genuine contenders for promotion this season.
The Rebels ramped up the pressure, with Adebayo sending a shot just wide from a tight angle in the 51st minute and Cooper denying Harris’ header moments later.
Town were living dangerously and Slough’s luck eventually turned in the 74th minute when a long throw was flicked on by substitute Gurkan Gokmen for Harris to hook the ball past Cooper.
Less than three minutes later and the visitors were celebrating again. Adebayo superbly controlled a long ball from Sean Fraser before neatly tucking it past Cooper.
Stratford did push on in search for a late equaliser, but a resilient Rebels defence held firm to claim a thoroughly deserved victory.
“This is a tough league,” said Town manager, Carl Adams afterwards.
“We played well in the first half but they played well in the second and in the end you have to say that they were better than us.
“There is no point hiding behind that — they are sitting third in the league and they’re a very good side.”
Stratford Town: Niall Cooper, Simeon Tulloch (Daniel Summerfield 60), Kieren Westwood, James Fry (c), Liam Francis, Guy Clark, Will Grocott, Barry Fiztharris (Jamie Sheldon 79), Richard Gregory, Mike Taylor (Ben Stephens 67), Edwin Ahenkorah. Sub not used: Donnell Benjamin.
Slough Town: Mark Scott, Sean Fraser (c), Paul Stonehouse, Guy Hollis, Mark Nisbet, Lee Togwell, James Dobson (Lewis Putman 59), Simon Dunn (Gurkan Gokmen 72), Elijah Adebayo, Charlie Moore, Warren Harris. Subs not used: Josh Jackman, Nathan Smart, Nathan Webb.
