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Tooting progressed to the final qualifying round of the FA cup for the first time since 1993, although a late comeback from a spirited Slough side almost secured a replay.
The visitors settled quickly, dominating the opening stages
and winning a succession of corners. However, the Terrors defence held firm
to weather the storm and eventually started to put
together some moves of their own, with Allan McLeod
leading the way as Terrors started to probe at the Slough defence.
Paul Vines currently enjoying the most purple of patches and midway through the half
made it six goals in his last four games with a well struck low drive
from the edge of the area. Five minutes later and McLeod set up Aaron Goode
to score the second with another low shot.
Terrors were now in control and had a number of chances to increase the lead with Simon Parker lobbing
one just over the bar and a defensive head preventing anyone
from converting a dangerous McLeod free kick. Charlie Vines
held centre stage for the final few minutes of the
half with a volley and a couple of headers that all
went close.
Half Time: Terrors 2-0
Slough Town
The goal of the game
came ten minutes into the second period and was another collectors item from Jamie Byatt. Dean Hamlin directed a cross from deep on the
right which found the hyperactive wingback near the edge of the area on the left
who directed a beautifully controlled looping header over the keeper
and into the top corner of the net.
Bowden-Haase pulled one back for Slough with a simple tap in from a corner that no Terror moved to defend, but this looked to be nothing
more than a temporary blip in proceedings as the home side continued to create chances. Ricky Perks was called into frequent action with saves from Paul Vines, Aaron Goode and the best
from Allan McLeod, following an excellent move
involving sub Craig Pitterson and Paul Vines.
However, three minutes from time the visitors broke down the right and crossed low for
Buchanan to score a second and triggering an
uncomfortable last few minutes for Tooting which were worryingly extended because of an injury to captain Joe Vines.
Overall a very watchable tie, witnessed by the biggest crowd of the season which included a sizable and enthusiastic
traveling contingent.
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