Dan delighted as Rebels depart Devon with a win
Slough Town FC: Defender plays his part in Slough’s thrilling victory over Torquay in the National League South
Dan Bayliss was delighted to contribute to Slough Town’s triumph over Torquay United in an electrifying seven-goal encounter last weekend – the victory propelling the side to ninth place in the National League South standings.
At a fan-filled Plainmoor Stadium, the action unfolded with Will JenkinsDavies striking first for the Gulls (20’), swiftly countered by Jeanmal Prosper’s equaliser for the Rebels (28’).
Matty Lench and Nathan Minhas came close to finding the net next, with shots narrowly missing the target, while new signing Christie Ward’s attempt sailed just wide of the woodwork, leaving the half-time score deadlocked at 1-1.
The second half saw Jenkins-Davies (49’) quickly restore Torquay’s lead, only for Johnny Goddard (61’) to level the score later on for Slough following a defensive mix-up.
In this back-and-forth clash, Tom Lapslie (69’) hammered in the home side’s third goal, but Dan Bayliss (82’) rose highest in the box to nod the ball past Mark Halstead within the final 10 minutes.
It seemed the centre-back’s effort would secure a point but, to the delight of the visiting fans, Leon ChambersParillon (90+1’) scored in added time to ensure Scott Davies’ side left Devon with all three.
“Obviously we conceded first but we always felt like we were going to get something out of this game,” Bayliss told the Express this week.
“I think that’s a credit to the management team and the environment they’ve created for everyone in the dressing room. The management team have always got the belief, no matter what the scoreline is, that we are going to be able to get something out of the game.
“I never like to give it too large when I score just in case it comes back to bite me but I was buzzing to play my part in the win. I have chipped in with a few goals this season, but this was a special one to get in front of a fairly big crowd.
“It came from a long throw and I’m normally the one that goes and wins the flick-ons for someone else. For whatever reason, Jammers was there to win the flick-on so I just drifted further back in the box and as Lenchy put the cross in, I was not even looking. I turned around, realised where the ball was, and thought I might aswell throw myself at it. I got a pretty good connection and the ball flew nicely into the net.
“I am onto five goals now in all competitions. I think I got one in the FA Cup and have scored four in the league. I am pretty happy with that tally but I am hoping to add to it as we have a few more months left of the season.”
Goals aside, it’s been an exciting month for Bayliss as he put pen to paper a contract extension. The centreback was part of a formidable Bracknell Town side that won the Isthmian League South Central Division One and Rebels player/manager Davies will be feeling fortunate he has been able to retain the services of this talented player.
“I had a few conversations with Scotty about signing a new contract, it was around Christmas time when we first started talking,” said Bayliss. “As we got into the new year, it became more of a likely thing to happen. To be fair, as soon as Scotty approached me with it, it was a no-brainer for me.
“It’s my first year in the Conference South and I think, without bigging myself up too much, I’ve done alright. It’s nice to know that Scotty, Ash, and all of the management team aswell, want to keep me until the end of next season.”
Bayliss added: “Me and Temi
(Eweka) built up such a good relationship at Bracknell. I think we picked up 24 clean sheets in that season under Bobby (Wilkinson) and scored 12 or 13 goals together.
“Me and Temi know we’ve got that partnership where you can keep clean sheets but you can also help the team by getting a few goals every now and then.”
Slough Town face Chippenham Town at Arbour Park this weekend and are looking to extend their unbeaten streak at home (in all competitions) to 17 matches.
“We’ve been on a very good run at home,” said Bayliss. “We fancy ourselves against anyone at home, we like to think we’ve made Arbour Park a bit of a fortress this season.
“Our aim going into every game is to get something out of it. Hopefully, that’s three points but if it has to be a point, so be it. We are definitely looking at winning the game this Saturday though to keep climbing that table.”