It’s time to hit the music. At the end of this fraught, hypnotic and hysterical clash between two of the finer sides in the division, there was a satisfying feeling in the air, and the sounds of victory clung to the clouds above.

49 days: that’s the length of time today’s visitors had gone since their last league defeat. A length of imperiousness, of fortification. It’s a long time to go unbeaten at this still fledgling stage of the season, and be as close to 16th as you are to 1st, but their qualities were undoubtedly demonstrated in a thrilling affair.

There’s quite a bit to unpick here, as more chaos football greeted the eyes of Worthing’s zealots. But ultimately, the lead story is a Worthing victory. Probably deserved, nonetheless tense. Would we have it any other way? A strong crowd, a brilliant crowd. All glowing come the final peep of Mr Hughes’ whistle, as Tuesday’s frustration turned to fulfilment.

But they were made to work for it, and made to comeback from an early deficit. The afternoon had barely begun before John Gilbert placed his pass into the path of Francis Amartey, catching Joel Colbran unaware as the forward raced toward goal. The angle was acute, but the finish was pure genius: passing it between post and glove to send the other Rebels into a 4th-minute lead.

There was a hesitancy in those opening stages, a slight panic that presented Slough with belief. But with belief and confidence, gaps emerge and the red Rebels started to fill them. Glen Rea struck one over the crossbar after Danny Cashman had spied ‘keeper Charlie Horlock off his line from distance, but his effort lacked the necessary power.

Those opening 20 minutes did demonstrate a desire, a willingness to win. The next 12 minutes would define the battle between both sets of Rebels, in what was a chaotic, thrilling 720 or so seconds.

First, the leveller. Some more nice stuff from Worthing, Joel Colbran was shuttling along the right-hand side freely and effectively. Here, he’d set up the leveller, playing it across goal to an expectant Faal, who could hardly miss.

Slough went up the other end, romped into the box but Chris Haigh was equal to the shot. The rebound was wayward, and the scoreline preserved. Back to the other end, and the crowd positioned along the touchline now akin to a final set rally at Wimbledon.

Jack Spong spied the far corner, but the defender managed to get his foot to the strike. Corner. It falls to Faal, again, but this time a man in a blue shirt is able to hack it clear on the line. Press play, and the next attack sees Faal again, harrying to get to the ball before Horlock. Later clatters former, and the referee points to the spot.

Little doubt in who picks up the ball. Little doubt in the end result. Cashman finds the corner, and Worthing’s early setback is but a distant memory. The lead assured, but the defensive vulnerabilities remained. The visitors had countless touches in the box, but then again that’s what they do. This was the highest-placed opposition to journey to Woodside Road this season, and it showed.

Slough are a fine footballing side, with the half-time whistle coming at an opportune time for Chris Agutter’s side. They weren’t quite prized from the ropes, but the legs were starting to wobble.

The second half begins. A time for a renewed gameplan, refreshed bodies and a Joel Colbran wonder-strike. 43 seconds had been played when the ball left the boot of the captain, bound for the top-left corner. It reached its destination with complete aplomb, taking its place in the growing collection of fine Worthing goals this season.

They just returned with a verve. There was so much grace, so much energy. You could tell by looking at the string of visiting blue. Hands were on hips come the 50th minute. They’d felt the full force of Worthing’s potent attack, and there was still plenty of the match to play.

Within the opening 15 minutes of the restart, the net had rumbled three times. Colbran’s strike was followed up by more Cashman class, dinking over Horlock after being sent free. The finish was trademark Cashman, and he looked like a man who could change the game with a mere click of his fingers. Because he can.

It was 4-1. A comfortable enough scoreline for you, Worthing fans? Within eight minutes of Cashman’s second, it was 4-3. Sam Evans with the second, rifling home his teammate’s cutback in consummate style. And then the third arrived: Leon Chambers-Parillon cranking one in off the post from range.

Mo Faal was shown an avoidable second yellow card as the hearts moved up to the mouths, and within the blink of a few eyes the final period would be ridden with tension. Minutes ticked by, Worting retreated, Slough came forward, Worthing dropped further back, Haigh was tested, more minutes progressed. Soon enough the 10 of Worthing were camped in their own half, achingly close to the jaws of death.

Sam Packham came on, and so too did Tommy Willard and Temi Babalola. There was a moment in the 85th minute when the ground rose to applaud the latter, who had just carried the ball deep inside enemy territory after Slough pushed for a late equaliser.

Those fresh legs proved pivotal, and as the 90th minute drew in the feeling of optimism returned. It was tough, but it was terrific. A brilliant game of football that we’ve become accustomed to here, yet this one just felt a little better.

For after the disappointment of Tuesday, there was no team more deserving of victory than this band of brilliant, embattled Reds.