Over the years, the Rebels of Berkshire have often provided a stern test for the Rebels of West Sussex. In our last three encounters at Arbour Park, we have defeated them once, drawn against a nine-player outfit back in 2023 and fell to a 4-0 loss in last season’s fixture.
However, Adam Hinshelwood and his players will be full of confidence heading into the weekend’s action, after extending their perfect run during midweek. A rotated eleven swept aside ninth tier side Newhaven 3-0 on Tuesday night, which included two stunning strikes from Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and Nathan Odokonyero, with Joe Cook also heading in from two yards out. Josh Jeffries net was under siege, but the Southampton loanee pulled out a fantastic penalty save just shy of the hour mark to preserve our impenetrable defensive record in November.
In five matches, we are yet to concede a goal this month, with Decarrey Sheriff’s goal for Dover in our eventual 3-1 victory on the 25th October the last time our goal has been breached. Over 500 minutes of competitive football has passed since that volley.
Another three points could close the gap on league leaders Hornchurch and second placed Weston-super-Mare as we head into the festive period.
The Opposition
Slough have struggled this season and currently occupying 21st position- just inside the dreaded relegation zone.
Their National League South form has virtually been sacrificed this campaign, to assist their progression into the Second Round proper of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Rebels have been drawn against fellow sixth tier side Macclesfield – who play in the National League North – at home. An undeniably winnable tie, which creates the very realistic possibility that Slough could face a Premier League side if they were to progress through to the coveted third round at Macclesfield’s expense.
As mentioned, their league performances have paled in comparison to their cup exploits, although they picked up a positive result during midweek.
Slough dispatched of fellow strugglers Farnborough courtesy of a 2-0 triumph on Tuesday night, a result that takes them within one point of their previous opponents with a game in hand.
That win also arrested a slide of form that saw them lose five successive league matches, including heavy defeats to Weston-super-Mare and Maidstone United.
Tomorrow’s foes have the worst defensive record in the division having shipped 33 goals this season. On the other hand, we have the best offensive record, with 33 goals scored.
The Gaffer
Player-manager Scott Davies has attracted plenty of suitors in recent years and is praised for his attacking and attractive brand of football.
Despite being in charge of tactics and team selection, the 37-year-old is also the heartbeat of Slough’s defence. The central defender has made 12 league appearances this term and has even scored twice, netting in the 3-2 away win over Hampton & Richmond Borough and in the 4-1 loss to Maidstone United.
This arrangement at Arbour Park started in November 2022 and each year Davies comfortably steers his teammates to safety.
Davies is vastly experienced and played almost a century of games in the Football League for the likes of Aldershot, Wycombe Wanderers and Crawley Town before also making over 100 appearances in the National League South for Wealdstone, Oxford City and Chelmsford City.
At just 37, Davies is considered one of the sharpest tactical minds in the Non-League system.
One to Watch
Polish winger Wiktor Makowski has terrorised opposition defenders this season, despite his side failing to pick up points on a consistent basis.
The newly-turned 23-year-old has contributed to nine goals so far in the National League South in 25/26, with three goals and six assists.
He clinched the Player of the Match award after playing a part in all three of Slough’s goals in their 3-2 win over Chippenham back in September and registered an assist in Tuesday’s win over Farnborough.
Makowski has also been a crucial figure in Slough’s magical cup run, as he netted the winning goal in their First Round Proper win over National League side Altrincham.
Slough’s number 11 originally was on the books in the Rebels’ academy before moving back to his native country with fifth tier Polish side Lublinianka in 2021.
The forward then returned to England with Risborough before enjoying spells with Westfield, Thame United and Flackwell Heath amongst others. In the 2023/24 season, he won the Combined Counties Premier Division North with Flackwell, scoring 2o times. The following campaign, the Pole helped The Heathens to the Southern League Division One Central play-off final and the Berkshire & Buckinghamshire FA Senior Cup final, scoring 41 goals and recording 22 assists in the process.
After a prolific period in the lower leagues, Slough decided to reacquire his services in the summer.
League Form Guide
Slough Town FC | W4 D3 L9 GD: -12 | Pos: 21st
League Form: WLLLL
MD12: Weston-super-Mare 5-1 Slough Town | Scorers: Jaiden Drakes-Thomas
MD13: Slough Town 1-4 Maidstone United | Scorers: Scott Davies
MD14: Slough Town 2-3 Bath City | Scorers: Wiktor Makowski & Jared Myers
MD15: Horsham 1-0 Slough Town
MD15: Slough Town 2-0 Farnborough | Scorers: Ruben Shakpoke & Jaiden Drakes-Thomas
Worthing FC | W9 D3 L4 GD: +17 | Pos: 3rd
League Form: WWWWW
MD12: Chesham United 1-2 Worthing | Scorers: Jack Spong x2
MD13: Worthing 3-1 Dover Athletic | Scorers: Joe Cook, Razzaq Coleman De-Graft & Brad Dolaghan
MD14: Worthing 3-0 Hampton & Richmond | Scorers: Brad Dolaghan, Teddy Jenks & Joel Colbran
MD15: Worthing 4-0 Hemel Hempstead Town | Scorers: Brad Dolaghan x2, Joel Colbran & Tom King
MD16: Worthing 4-0 AFC Totton | Scorers: Brad Dolaghan x3 & Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
Tickets
Discounted prices are available when purchased online in advance via Fanbase. Full matchday prices apply at the turnstiles. Segregation will be in place.
Away supporters should enter at turnstile block 3. Supporters should purchase general admission tickets in the Standing Areas shown on Fanbase. Stewards will be positioned to direct supporters to the correct turnstiles on the day.
Prices are as follows:
• Adults (aged 18–64): £15 Online | £17 at the turnstiles
• Concessions (aged 65+): £10 online | £12 at the turnstiles
• 13–17 year-old and Students: £3 online | £5 at the turnstiles
• Under 13s: £1 online and at the turnstiles
Click here to purchase tickets.
HOW TO FOLLOW
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official X account.
You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service
