Johnny hails Rebels’ recent displays after award scoop
Goddard named National League South Player of the Month following a stunning November
Johnny Goddard was quick to praise Slough Town’s recent performances after he earned the Vanarama National League South Player of the Month award for November.
Goddard was arguably the Rebels’ most formidable player last month, scoring four goals in six games – two of which were sublime free kicks against Welling United (league) and Farnborough (FA Trophy).
Despite suffering a turbulent start to this year’s National League South campaign, Slough Town have improved tremendously and won three league games out of four in November to haul themselves into 19th.
The Rebels thumped Truro City 4-0, edged Havant & Waterlooville 2-1, and overcame Braintree Town 3-0 – potentially their most impressive result out of the three – with the strong attacking form leading to midfielder Goddard scooping an accolade.
Speaking to the Express this week, he said: “Seeing as there are not too many individual awards that go around, it’s nice. It’s not something you focus on or concentrate on getting but it is a good feeling when you are the winner yeah.
“I think it’s coincided with the team’s results lately, us creating more chances, getting in the right place at the right time, the way we have been playing. We’ve put on some good performances, we are a lot more attacking, a lot more players are getting in the box, cracking off a lot more shots, a lot more crosses.
“I have won a couple of players of the season awards but monthly awards, I think this is my first. There are a lot of good teams in this league, a lot of good players in this league, so it is quite competitive to get your hands on.”
On Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Bromley which dumped them out of the FA Trophy, Goddard added:
“There’s not too much to say. We conceded after about 25 seconds but for the rest of the game, we gave a really good account of ourselves.
“In the second half, we had a lot of the ball, a lot of the territory. It was almost as though Bromley were happy to defend the narrow lead which came off in the end for them.
“It is disappointing but there are lots of positives to take from the match. They are a really good side, doing well in the National League and we certainly weren’t out of place against them.
“Yeah, it was probably one of those days where the ball wouldn’t bounce or sit favourably for us. There were a few times where the ball was flashed in front of goal but it got cleared or they threw their bodies in the way.
“It would have been nice to stay in the cup but we are back to the bread and butter of the league now.”
Goddard and the rest of Scott Davies’ men will now have their eyes fixed on this weekend’s clash against Farnborough – their first league fixture of December.
The Rebels last faced the Yellows on Saturday, November 18 when they triumphed 2-1 in an FA Round second round tie at Arbour Park.
Celebrations were cut short, however, when a number of the visiting supporters clashed with home fans.
“That was all just a bit unnecessary really,” said Goddard. “It was a case of ‘a few spoil it for the many’. There were a couple of young lads, probably not proper football fans, getting involved. As far as I’m concerned, that’s been dealt with and I can only really speak from a Slough point of view.
“Since I have been at the club, all of the fans have been nothing but supportive of the club, the side on the pitch. They travel well in their numbers and always behave themselves. They make a noise and a racket but always in the right way.
“Farnborough are a team that have got play-off ambitions, and they will be a tough side to play against this Saturday. I know a few of the boys there – Kuhly (Aaron Kuhl) being one. It’s one of those classic National League South games which is probably going to be quite tight and whichever side turns up on the day will win.”