Slough Town stun Ebbsfleet United to set up FA Cup tie with EFL side Grimsby Town

Slough Town 2, Ebbsfleet United 0

Slough Town will host EFL side Grimsby Town in the first round of the FA Cup after overcoming Ebbsfleet United in a stunning replay victory at Arbour Park on Tuesday evening.

Having been pegged back twice by Fleet in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at the Kufflink Stadium, Scott Davies’ side produced arguably their best all-round display this season to knock their higher-level opponents out of the competition.

Goals from Josh Jackman and Matty Lench in the latter stages of the first half gave the home side an advantage they refused to relinquish, and the victory means the Rebels have now gone nine games unbeaten in all competitions.

Having dragged themselves back into the tie on Saturday, Ebbsfleet handed a first start to former Liverpool and Bournemouth player Jordon Ibe, but he – like the rest of his teammates – struggled to break down their resilient hosts.

From the first whistle, it was Slough who caused the problems and carved out the best opportunities.

Munashe Sundire curled an effort just wide in the opening minutes before David Ogbonna’s pace and trickery created a chance for Nathan Minhas that was blocked.

With Matt Lench pulling the strings for the Rebels, the hosts looked a threat every time they ventured forward, while Slough keeper Rohan Luthra wasn’t unduly tested by the visitors in the first half.

The opening goal arrived just after the half-hour mark when captain Josh Jackman picked up the ball in the box and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner.

It sparked joyous scenes around Arbour Park and gave the hosts a precious lead to hold onto – but they weren’t done there.

In the 42nd minute, they made it 2-0, when Lench was afforded time and space on the edge of the area and hammered the ball past Mark Cousins into that same bottom left-hand corner.

Matty Lench doubled our lead in this#EmiratesFACuptie with a solo effort ✨#OneSloughpic.twitter.com/WDhmVD9hlD

— Slough Town FC (@sloughtownfc)October 17, 2023

Slough were good value for their lead at the interval but must have feared a response from their National League opponents after the break. However, that response never really materialised as Slough’s defence neutralised their attacking threats.

虽然Ebbsfleet看到很多球,他们struggled to create clear-cut chances as Slough players put their bodies on the line prevent opportunities.

Had the Rebels been a little more clinical they may even have had a third goal, with Cousins saving well from George Alexander in the 51st minute, before springing back up to keep out Ogbonna’s follow up.

Lench came close with a cheeky back-heel that flashed wide of the post in the 73rd minute, while Dan Bayliss struck the crossbar with an attempted chip a minute later.

Fleet pressed harder but became more desperate in the final minutes and the Rebels defence held firm for a deserved clean sheet.

The result sets up a plum home tie for Slough against League 2 Grimsby Town at Arbour Park on Saturday, November 4.

Afterwards, boss Scott Davies tweeted: “Well, that’s me not sleeping tonight. I honestly couldn’t be any prouder of the lads after that performance. We can’t play football as well as Ebbsfleet, but one thing the boys can do is run through brick walls for one another. We found a way, we did it, together as one.”

Scott Davies spoke with Connor McNeish after the Rebels confirmed their place in the#EmiratesFACupFirst Round last night.

Sponsored by@RyemeadGroup#OneSloughhttps://t.co/2lmsHtqRD3

— Slough Town FC (@sloughtownfc)October 18, 2023