Hedges on the spot for Salisbury home win

Saturday, 17 August 2024 19:48

Ragguette congratulates Josh Hedges (Image: Michael Berkeley)

Salisbury picked up three points with a home win against Slough Town at the Ray Mac.

Josh Hedges’ first-half penalty was enough to give Brian Dutton’s side the win, although 10-man Slough put up a good fight in the second half.

The home side made two changes from the side that drew away at Hemel in the first game of the season. David Aziaya, who signed in the week, replaced the suspended Ryan Gosney in goal, Josh Sommerton came in, and Jaden Perez moved to the bench.

Slough started the quicker of the two teams, winning most of the possession, but without testing Aziaya in the Salisbury goal, the Whites created the first chance of note. Ronan Silva’s shot was blocked on 10 minutes.

Slough had their first sight of goal on 14 minutes when Luke Wilkinson was adjudged to have fouled John Gilbert, but the following free kick was straight at Aziaya.

Salisbury came more into the game as the half progressed with McCreadie and Fasanmade having good chances to give the home side the lead.

It took a defensive slip, though, to break the deadlock. Lexus Beeden tangled with Ronan Silva after the Salisbury player got the wrong side. Referee Adam Merchant pointed at the spot and showed Beeden a straight red card.

Josh Hedges stepped up, placed the ball on the spot and finished cooly past Charlie Horlock, who went the wrong way to give Salisbury the lead in the 35th minute.

Josh Hedges finishes cooly from the penalty spot (Images: Michael Berkeley)

Salisbury pushed for a second, and Hedges came the closest to getting it. He saw his effort come back off the post from 20 yards just four minutes later.

Salisbury were good value for their 1-0 lead at half time.

Salisbury almost doubled their lead just four minutes into the second half when a clever through ball from Josh Hedges put Jordan Ragguette through in the left channel, but his effort went just wide.

Slough, although down to ten men, controlled lots of the ball in the second half, but were unable to test Aziaya in the Salisbury goal.

Salisbury did present them with one opportunity after 70 minutes when Salisbury failed to clear the ball. It led to a couple of quick successive corners, the second of which bounced off the cross bar, direct from the corner.

Salisbury saw the game out and almost got a second in stoppage time when Leggett (twice) and Perez both saw their shots blocked in the 93rd minute.

It’s a quick turnaround for Salisbury as they welcome Truro City to the Ray Mac on Tuesday (20th August) for a 7:45 kick-off. You can buy tickets in advance on the website – https://www.salisburyfc.co.uk/tickets/