Davies’ first league match in charge doesn’t go to plan as Rebels are routed
Scott Davies' first league match in charge of the Rebels didn't exactly go to plan as they were thumped 5-1 at home by an in-form and improving Eastbourne Borough side.
The Rebels had played reasonably well in their two cup matches since the sudden departure of Neil Baker and Jon Underwood - a narrow defeat on penalty kicks to Maidenhead United in the county cup and a 3-0 away success to advance in the FA Trophy.
However, against a clinical Borough side their defensive errors at Arbour Park were ruthlessly punished. The result leaves the Rebels three points above the National League South drop zone however, they've played more games than most of the sides below them in the table.
In contrast, Eastbourne are up to ninth in the table, three points off the play-off places having won five of their last six games in all competitions.
Eastbourne took this game away from Slough in the opening half an hour, scoring three times to all but seal the points.
Fresh from their win in the cup, Slough began the game well, with Ben Harris testing the Borough defence with a header and player/manager Davies striking the inside of the post from a corner kick.
However, their early endeavour began to wane when George Wells carelessly conceded possession outside of the area in the 15th minute and Chris Whelpdale squared it for Jake Hutchinson to fire home against the run of play.
Slough needed to show more composure as they attempted to work their way back into the game. Harris was guilty of handling the ball into the net from Joe Dandy's cross, receiving a yellow card in the process, and they fell further behind when James Vaughan's shot was deflected to Mitchell Dickenson who rifled home from close range in the 24th minute.
Their early optimism now well and truly punctured, they conceded a third on the halfhour when Leone Gravata tucked the ball beyond Rhys Forster and into the bottom corner after being played through on goal.
There was no let up from Eastbourne after the interval. Slough conceded a fourth in the 52nd minute when Shiloh Remy played in a good cross for Hutchinson to sweep home.
The hosts then displayed some of the character that will be needed to get themselves out of their current predicament. Player/coach Lee Togwell forced a 75th minute penalty when his strike was handled by Dickenson in the area, and the returning Aaron Kuhl - who'd replaced Davies toward the end of the first half - powered home the spot kick.
Slough's supporters stuck with the team throughout, and Davies and Togwell will need them onside in the coming weeks. Eastbourne rounded off the scoring in stoppage-time, Charlie Walker finishing past Forster after collecting a ball over the top.
They might have broken their winless run in the cup last week, but it's now nine league games without a win for Slough who visit top of the table Ebbsfleet United away next Saturday (KO 3pm).