Johnny Goddard pleased to play his part in Rebels' FA Cup victory

Midfielder Johnny Goddard was pleased to play his part in Slough Town’s 2-0 victory over Hayes & Yeading on Saturday, with the win progressing the Rebels into the third qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Goddard assisted both of Nathan Minhas’ goals at the SkyEx Community Stadium, with the second assist branded ‘superb’ by player manager Scott Davies at full-time.

The Rebels will travel to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium next Saturday (September 30) to face Southern League Premier Division South outfit Salisbury, managed by Brian Dutton.

Goals from Tom Leggett, Noah Coppin (two), Josh Sommerton and an opposing defender delivered the Whites a thumping 5-0 victory over Mousehole AFC and put their names in the hat for Monday’s draw.

Speaking to the Express this week, Goddard said: “Hayes & Yeading seemed quite the difficult draw when it got made a couple of weeks ago and we weren’t on the best of runs in the league. But, we have managed to avoid the banana skin.

“We did really well because they are a good side and I think they play some good stuff.

“In the first half we had three or four good opportunities, including one for myself, to get ahead in the game. Once we did score, it was about getting that second goal to kill it off.

“It was pleasing to play a part in getting the club through to the next round. I know the Rebels haven’t had a cup run for a few years and all the boys want to have that this season.”

Goddard added: “A couple of years ago I was at St Albans when the club went on the longest FA Cup run they have ever been on. We had two games on TV, two sell-out crowds, it was great.

“National press often arrives too and a lot more people from the community get involved.

“Financially for Slough Town, a long cup run would be massive.”

On the Salisbury fixture, Goddard added: “I played against them years ago when they were in the National League so they have a history of being a good side.

“The last few years have been a bit difficult for them but the first thing that got mentioned in the group chat when the draw was announced was that they’re unbeaten so far this season.

“To be honest, our focus right now is on the next league fixture against Farnborough.

“When it gets closer to the time, we will prepare properly for Salisbury and show the club the utmost of respect. We will go there positively looking to get through another round.”

Farnborough, the Rebels’ upcoming opposition in the National League South, thumped Wingate & Finchley, 6-0, at the weekend to progress to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup.

They sit 13th with three wins, three draws, and three losses.

“我记得去年我们很穷Farnborough so we know that if we’re not on our game, we're not going to get anything,” said Goddard.

“We need to maintain this little run we're on. We had a slow start, which was probably a little bit deceiving because our performances warranted more points, but I believe we have turned a corner.”