Slough send Puritans slipping to third straight defeat

The Puritans lost 2-0 in Tuesday’s premier division clash at Slough Town in their first ever competitive game on an artificial pitch. With Ricky Johnson not being risked through injury, club captain Andy Gunn returned in central defence and produced a sterling display. But two second half goals from Guy Hollis and James Dobson sent United home empty-handed.

Slough dominated the opening period without posing too many problems before United had an early chance when Jack Self half released Conor McDonagh who turned and saw his shot from 25 yards go wide.

Slough went close when Lewis Putman’s shot from 20 yards was tipped around the post by Jack Harding. For the rest of the half, United were forced to defend well to keep on level terms with Slough applying a lot of pressure.

United improved after the restart and McDonagh’s shot from inside the area was deflected just wide by Lee Togwell. At the other end Nathan Smart crossed for Elijah Adebayo who headed just wide.

Mark Scott almost gifted United the breakthrough when he came out to clear, the ball fell to Darius Browne but, with the keeper stranded, he shot wide from 25 yards.

That was the start of a good spell for United but they were rocked in the 64th minute when Slough made the breakthrough. A corner was only partially cleared out to Sean Fraser who hooked the ball back to the far post where Hollis headed into the top corner of the net from six yards.

United had their fair share of the ball in the closing stages but they did not cause Scott any serious problems in their search for the equaliser.

United began to push forward late on but Slough sealed the three points in the 87th minute. A free-kick from Robson took a wicked deflection off the United defensive wall and looped over Harding into the back of the net.