Football round-up: Slough Town defeat Hampton to finish season with back-to-back victories

Slavi Spasov celebrates his penalty this afternoon. Photo: George Beck

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Slough Town 1, Hampton & Richmond Borough 0

Slough Town rounded off a challenging and often tumultuous National League South campaign with back-to-back league victories after Slavi Spasov’s second half penalty earned the Rebels victory over Hampton & Richmond Borough at Arbour Park.

The Rebels got the win their performance merited thanks to Spasov’s coolness from a 60th minute spot kick that was earned by David Ogbonna.

There was also a fitting moment for departing club captain Josh Jackman who was given a guard of honour onto the field by both sets of players, having notched up more than 300 appearances for the club.

The home side made two changes to the side from Monday’s 3-2 win at Chesham United, with Scott Davies coming back into the starting line-up for teenager Aaron White and Lewis Miccio replacing John Gilbert, who missed out through injury. Brian Nelson, 18, was once again included from the start after impressing at The Meadow.

There was no place in the starting line-up for the fit again Dan Bayliss, while Jeanmal Prosper was on the bench after both indicated to Davies this week that they would be looking to depart the club in the summer.

Henry Ochieng partnered Nelson in the middle of the park, making his 50th appearance for the Rebels in the process.

The first half was one of few chances, but the best of them fell to the Rebels and to Johnny Goddard in the 42nd minute. Patient play from Spasov created the opportunity for him, but he fired over the crossbar when he might have expected to do better.

The home side took the lead on the hour mark when Ogbonna’s pace and trickery caused problems for the Beavers, and he was hacked down in the area. Spasov kept his cool to bury the spot kick to the keeper’s right for his 15th league goal of the season.

The game - and the season - ended on a slightly sour and surprising note when - out of the blue - Scott Davies was shown a red card.

Hampton finished the season in dreadful form, losing 15 of their last 17 matches in the league.

The win sees the Rebels finish the season in 16th place, level on points with 17th placed and 15th placed Bath City. St Albans City were relegated on the final day after losing 5-2 at Truro City - who were crowned champions. Six teams could have won the title on the final day - and the top six all won - but leaders Truro had their game at home to St Albans under control fairly early to ensure there were no last day swings.

Scott Davies reflects on today's 1-0 win against Hampton & Richmond.#OneSloughhttps://t.co/7r42GHOsVk

— Slough Town FC (@sloughtownfc) April 26, 2025

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Tiverton Town 3, Marlow 2

Marlow were beaten 3-2 away at Tiverton Town to cap off a thoroughly miserable campaign in the Southern League Premier South.

Once again, the Blues put up a decent fight, but they suffered their 31st defeat in their 42nd fixture.

Naheer Nawaf - Marlow’s most consistent performer and scorer this season - was once again on the scoresheet for the visitors.

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Stotfold 0, Flackwell Heath 1

In the Southern League Central Division, Flackwell Heath warmed up for their play-off semi-final on Wednesday evening with a 1-0 win at Stotfold this afternoon.

Having wrapped up third place in the division with their wins over Thame United and Beaconsfield Town last weekend, Chris Ayres’ side made it three wins on the spin - and four in five in the league - thanks to Michael Harding’s goal in the 71st minute.

Flackwell will host Barton Rovers in their play-off semi-final on Wednesday evening (April 30th). The Heathens have lost twice to Barton Rovers this season - 3-0 at home and 2-1 away - but will feel they owe their league rivals one in this crucial tie.

Berkhamsted will host Hadley in the division’s other play-off semi-final.

This Wednesday we host Barton Rovers FC in the Southern League Play-Off Semi Final.

Last pack the Park #Heathens pic.twitter.com/tCf4rrPpY3

— Flackwell Heath FC (@FHFC1907) April 26, 2025

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The East Berkshire League Committee was forced to issue a statement after an incident which marred the end of the Presidents Cup Final between Old Windsor FC Reserves and Hype Train on Friday evening.

Hype Train won the final 4-1 at Burnham’s 1878 Stadium but the team’s win was soured by the actions individuals at the ground which led to a spectator suffering a ‘serious injury’ and the police and emergency services being called.

The statement from the EBFL said: “The East Berkshire League Committee would like to address the events after full time in the final of the Presidents Cup competition.

“The Committee is extremely disappointed with and saddened by the actions of some individuals, which led to the police being called to the stadium as well as emergency services to respond to a spectator who has suffered a serious injury.

“Behaviour like this will not and cannot be tolerated and therefore, the league will work with police and football authorities in any ensuing investigations and reports.

League general secretary, Robert Stevens, commented: “I am both shocked and saddened by events post-match last night. This has truly let down the name of the East Berkshire League and Presidents Cup competition.

“I would like to offer a sincere apology to our guests and spectators, especially those in attendance with young children.

“I apologise to the team at Burnham FC whose incredible facilities and hard work deserves more respect.

“I also apologise to my committee whose tireless work as volunteers to provide local football deserves more courtesy than was shown last night. I would like to wish the injured spectator a full and speedy recovery.

“No further comment will be provided at this time.”