Wakering continue to do their best to throw a spanner in the promotion works of some of the illustrious promotion-chasing teams in Ryman Division One North.

Four weeks ago Rovers shocked leaders Northwood 2-0 at Burroughs Park. Last night they couldn't match that effort against a Slough side desperate to reclaim their Premier status at the second attempt.

However, Alan Hull's hosts were definitely worth the point they gained with a late equaliser against a visiting side who continue to fail to repeat their splendid home record on opposition territory.

Slough's feats at their own ground this term are topped by a memorable FA Cup triumph over Premier giants Canvey, but away there's a lingering suspicion that they lack the necessary fight needed to add to their undoubted skill.

Certainly they enjoyed the lion's share of the territorial play on a windy night at the village side, but they were often unable to penetrate a home rearguard in which John Heffer made a solid return when coming in for suspended Terry Howard.

Slough had the strong wide advantage in the opening half, but it was Rovers who drew first blood after 19 minutes. Dan Trenkel sent Mark Hampshire wide left and the Wakering man did superbly to dribble through two tackles before beating Gary McCann with a curling effort from a seemingly impossible angle.

Slough began to dominate in the closing stages of the half and wide headed efforts from Deji Davies and Ryan Spencer -- on both occasions crosses were provided by ex Football League man Michael Gilkes -- were a warning that the visitors had more to offer.

Slough, despite now being against the wind, continued to dominate as the second-half opened and equalised after 54 minutes when a frenzied attack, in which the ball was cleared off the line, ended with Dave Rainford scoring with a ball threaded into the far corner.

Then, after 66 minutes, substitute Sam Winston set-up Tony Boot to put his side ahead from close range.

However, Wakering regathered their resources, rolled up their sleeves, and deservedly shared the spoils.

After the home side had twice gone close, substitute Paul Pilkington was in the right place at the far post to convert Neville Hickton's right-wing corner five minutes from time.

Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003

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