TT No.5: Barry Neighbour - Saturday 21st July 2007; East Preston v Slough Town (P-S F)            Result: 2-1; Att: about 70; Programme: No; FGIF Rating: 4*

I managed to avoid the worst of the weather on Saturday by heading for West Sussex. I was well rewarded with a really good game as East Preston impressed against a side who were playing at Level 3 last season. Both teams had chances before East Preston took the lead after 18 minutes when a shot was blocked by the Slough defence but the home striker followed up to make it 1-0. East Preston looked comfortable on the ball until Slough caught them with a sucker punch 5 minutes before the interval when a through ball split the defence and the Slough forward did well to hold off his marker before slotting the ball past the oncoming keeper. East Preston regained their advantage 15 minutes into the second half when their forward sprang the Slough offside trap and the forward lobbed the ball over the stranded keeper for what turned out to be the winner. On this form East Preston could be serious title contenders in the Sussex County League although Slough need to show an improvement if they are to compete in their new league (Southern League Division 1 South & West)this season.

contributed on 22/07/07