Davies got the reaction he was looking for from Rebels players in replay win

Slough’s player/manager Scott Davies got the reaction he was looking for from his players as the Rebels bounced back from Saturday’s poor showing at Salisbury to beat them handsomely in Tuesday’s FA Cup third qualifying round replay.

The Rebels set up a final qualifying round clash away to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday, October 14 after easing to a comfortable 3-0 home win at Arbour Park.

The Southern Premier Division side might have dominated Saturday’s goalless draw at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium but that counted for little as the Rebels flew out of the traps on home turf. Johnny Goddard had them in front from the penalty spot after only a couple of minutes while the first half dismissal of Aaron Simpson further tipped the scales in Slough’s favour.

Goddard side footed home the second in the 52nd minute and Temi Eweka showed terrific skill for a centre half to drag flick home from close range in the closing stages.

Despite the comfortable nature of the replay victory, Davies was incredibly complimentary to Salisbury in his post-match interview for Sloughtown.net. Speaking with Connor McNeish after the final whistle he said he was happy to get the early goal and knock the wind out of Salisbury’s sails.

“I think we needed a reaction, and it was whether we turned up tonight or not,” said Davies.

“We started the game well, and it was crucial we got the first goal tonight. We didn’t want them to get their tails up. They’re an excellent side, and it’s easy to say that when you’ve won but I genuinely believe that. I think they’re well coached and have some wonderful young players. We knew it would be tough, so we had to approach it in the right way.

“We know we’ve got an honest bunch of lads, but it was about getting them to approach the game in the right way with the right mindset.

“We started well, and we looked strong, but the red card is a turning point in the game. It makes it a lot easier for us. We still weren’t great in the first half, we were a little bit sloppy, and they worked their socks off which made it hard for us. But it was about getting the job done and getting through to the next round which we’ve done now.”

On Goddard’s two-goal display, Davies added: “Johnny doesn’t know this, but we were going to rest him tonight and I changed my mind about 10 minutes before naming the team. But I just thought we needed his quality in the team. Playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday is tough for Johnny because he has tight groins and calves, but I just had a feeling, with his quality, he had to be in the side. He’s a fantastic player when he’s on it, he’s a joy to watch and he makes it look very comfortable. I’m delighted he got his two goals tonight, and I think after 90 minutes he was the only one trying to play at tempo because he wanted to get a hat-trick. I’m delighted for him, but also for the supporters and the board, because we know how important the FA Cup is financially.”

Slough are back at home this Saturday when they host Weymouth in the National League South. The Rebels are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions and have lifted themselves out of the relegation zone to 19th in the table.