After going into the interval a goal behind, the visitors rallied to turn the scoreline around and preserve their lead, and unstoppable winning record, in courageous fashion in the closing stages.

Amidst the blustery wind and downpour in Berkshire, the Reds endured a nightmare start to the afternoon. With the home faithful willing their team on, Slough broke down the right and won a corner after a brave header from Toby Byron to intercept a cross inside the opening five minutes.

From the resultant corner, the Reds defence initially cleared the danger before the ball fell back to taker Johnny Goddard. The returning number 10 whipped a delightful pass onto the head of Pole Wiktor Makowski, who activated every muscle in his neck to direct a finish goal-ward. Josh Jeffries was at full stretch, but was helpless as the ball bounced off the post and into the back of the net.

Slough stuck to their game plan vigilantly to nullify any immediate response from their opponents. Player manager Scott Davies’ side were content with allowing Jeffries to have possession in his own box, with many of his kicks forward not reaching their intended target.

The defensive prowess of Harry Ransom was called upon in the 18th minute to prevent further damage. Goalscorer Makowski waltzed into the penalty box and just as he prepared to shoot, Ransom crucially nicked the ball off his toes. Jeffries then was called into action to thwart Tyrique Clarke, before Toby Byron also needed to stay alert to beat a Slough attacker to possession in the box.

A below par first-half display yielded little chances, with Joel Colbran’s effort from a tight angle the most presentable opportunity of the first period. Sam Packham was the architect as he picked out the darting run of the captain with a pin-point 60 yard pass. The defender took the ball in his stride, but Desbois smothered the attempt astutely.

Joe Cook and Teddy Jenks also fired over from range, as the Rebels of West Sussex struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances in the first 45.

After the break, Worthing were much-improved, as they looked to find a way back into the contest at Arbour Park. Nathan Odokonyero was introduced at the break in place of Razzaq Coleman De-Graft, who was penalised for a late foul with a yellow card.

Despite Adam Hinshelwood’s side starting the brighter of the two sides in the second period, it was Slough who threatened first. Jared Myers used his electric speed to burst down the right-flank and tee up Clarke, who blazed over from range.

On the stroke of the hour mark, Worthing inexplicably failed to restore parity. A loose pass fell to Dolaghan, who released Jenks inside the area. The former Forest Green Rovers midfielder unselfishly attempted to square the ball to the unmarked Odokonyero. However, the pass was slightly behind the number nine, which meant he couldn’t strike cleanly.

The shot was saved and cleared on the goal-line before falling to Dolaghan. Uncharacteristically, the shot was straight down the throat of the goalkeeper and Odokonyero was also thrwarted on the rebound.

Worthing only had to wait nine more minutes for the leveller, as Dolaghan put his stamp on proceedings. Minutes after Jenks drilled narrowly wide, Colbran provided the width and fired a low cross into the middle. After bouncing around the six-yard box, the ball was charmed by the striker and placed into the bottom corner. A tenth league goal for the master marksman.

Within five minutes, the 20-year-old had another glorious opportunity. Substitute Ollie Godziemski knocked Packham’s corner into the danger zone, but Dolaghan lost concentration and snatched at the chance. He looked to the heavens in disbelief as referee Jonathan Maskrey pointed for a goal kick.

But all good strikers turn their attention to the next chance and this determination resulted in the winner in the 76th minute. Colbran was the creative force behind this one again, as he accurately caused havoc in the box. Once again,  Dolaghan adeptly sorted his feet out to fire past Desbois from close-range.

The remaining 20 minutes had a nervy edge to them, as Slough searched for a point. Jeffries stood firm to deny Ansu Janneh late on, with Joe Cook and Ransom also bravely evading the onslaught with countless clearances and interceptions.

The referee’s final whistle was music to the ears of everyone of a Worthing persuasion. Nine victories in a row in all competitions, with the gap between league leaders Hornchurch reduced to just three points. Torquay United awaits the Rebels during midweek.