Mixed results for Slough’s women on road trips

There were mixed results for Slough Women's 1sts as they hit the road to play Sevenoaks and the University of Exeter in a double-header last weekend.

Travelling and competing in appalling conditions, the Pinks & Blacks were beaten 2-1 by National League South leaders Sevenoaks before bouncing back the following afternoon to beat Isca & University of Exeter by the same scoreline on Sunday.

Slough came into the weekend third in the division but had to absorb plenty of early pressure from the leaders in Kent.

Eventually the hosts found a way through those defences, scoring from a short corner and they doubled their advantage from another short corner 10 minutes before the break.

Slough responded well after the break, creating several chances from open play before Harriet Ward sliced through the home side’s backline and slipped a pass through to Lou Bevan who fired home. The visitors then had the upper hand in the final five minutes but, unfortunately, the clock was against them, and Sevenoaks held on.

The team made the long journey from Kent to Devon on the Saturday night but were rested up and ready to go for Sunday's game with Exeter.

The host began well and took the lead, with Slough struggling to shake their gruelling efforts over the past 24 hours from their legs.

However, they were reinvigorated by Bex Ross’ goal after fine interplay between Bevan, Mel Ball and Bryna Holmes.

The second half was a scrappier affair with Exeter frustrated by the resolute defence of Kat McGonigle (above), Lyndsey Harwood, Jules Inverdale and Bryiony Anyon.

The hosts were practically camped out in the Slough 25 for the final quarter, and thought they’d found a way through when the ball was fired home from a short corner, however, it was disallowed for striking an Exeter foot on the way in.

Slough breathed a collective sigh of relief and managed one last attack from which they were awarded a penalty flick.

With three points on the line, Anna Baker stepped up to silence the noisy home supporters with a coolly converted finish.

Slough were a happy camp on the journey home and look forward to their home game with Trojans this weekend with renewed confidence after two impressive team performances.