Road to Cardiff - Slough spring shock of the round

The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well in Slough after the Rebels knocked out League One Walsall in the 1st Round on Saturday in probably the biggest shock of the round.

Eddie Denton's men looked nervous early on with the Saddlers in control. Player manager and Arsenal legend Paul Merson was running the game from midfield but after seeing off early Walsall pressure Slough took the lead on 24 minutes. IAN HODGES bundled the ball into the back of the net from close range past goalkeeper Mark Paston after a cross from Ryan Spencer.

However just 8 minutes later the Midlanders were back on level terms when DARREN WRACK was on hand to head home from close range after Allaway saved Jorge Leitao's drive.

Early in the second-half Walsall dominated possession with Slough giving the ball away far too easily, however out of the blue Slough took the lead when a cross from Alex Haddow fell to GLEN HARRIS. His shot was blocked on the line, but he was on-hand to score from the rebound.

The away side threw men forward in hope of an equaliser, but the Rebels defence superbly marshalled by skipper Steve Daly, Michael Murphy and man-of-the-match James Saulsbury kept Walsall at bay. Walsall's best chance fell to former Wolves centre-back Neil Emblen. The defenders header hit the top of the bar with the ball rebounding to safety. In the final minutes Walsall substitute Julian Bennett was sent-off for not retreating following a free-kick.

With three minutes of nail-biting injury time minutes the Rebels held on to claim a famous victory - cue wild celebrations at Stag Meadow!

Slough team: Allaway, Josias Carbon, Daly, Saulisdury, Murphy, Alex Haddow, Metcalfe, Harris (Steer 90), Wilkinson, Hodges, Spencer (Seedell 62). Subs Not Used: Moller, Matt Miller, Parkin.
Mom: Saulsbury
Attendance: 2,023

After the game Paul Merson feared he could be sacked following the shock result for Walsall who included ex Palace player Simon Osborn and had ex Addick hero Mark Kinsella on the bench.

Whilst Rebels manager Eddie Denton said: "People did not really give us any chance before the game, but I believed we could win as did the players. I've said all week we're a decent side and when we play our football we can cause any team problems."

Slough Town have a wonderful chance of progressing to the 3rd Round after being drawn at home to local rivals Yeading in the 2nd Round. The match will take place on Saturday 4 December at Windsor & Eton FC’s Stag Meadow, kicking off at 3pm.