Shakpoke header sinks Weston as Slough's surge up the table continues

Photo credit: Zak Rana

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Slough Town 1, Weston-Super-Mare 0

Slough Town defeated one of the National League South’s likely title challengers - and moved to within nine points of the play-off places themselves - off the back of a 1-0 win over Weston-Super-Mare on Tuesday evening.

Scott Davies’ Rebels side were languishing in the relegation zone when they travelled to near neighbours Maidenhead United on Boxing Day - but an against the odds 3-1 win with only 10 players has galvanised their season, and they’ve since won seven of their last nine matches.

Promotion chasers Maidenhead United, Hemel Hempstead Town, Maidstone United and now Weston-Super-Mare have all been overcome during an impressive run of form that’s lifted the Rebels to 14th in the table.

Their relegation fears now look to be behind them, with the side having moved 11 points clear of the bottom four. And it’s now not inconceivable they could continue this rise and put themselves in the mix for the top seven - something which would have been considered crazy just a few weeks ago.

Tuesday’s home game was won by a sensational second half header from Ruben Shakpoke, who rose like a salmon to turn home a 52nd minute corner and the Rebels defence did the rest - seeing out the game for a very welcome clean sheet.

Quite incredible to be honest. Another win against a top side and a clean sheet to go with it. What the boys are producing at the moment is phenomenal. So pleased that the lads are getting their rewards for what they put in. Back at home again Saturday @sloughtownfc https://t.co/kxkYahRA0Z

— Scott Davies (@scottdavies1988) February 10, 2026

The Rebels had the best of the first half opportunities as well, so this was no means a fortunate result for Davies’ team.

They will feel they should have come in at the break in front after being awarded a spot kick in the 39th minute, but the usually reliable Wiktor Makowski saw his penalty saved by Weston’s keeper Max Harris.

With Basil Tuma and Jared Myers also causing problems for the visitors’ backline, the Rebels looked the more likely to break the deadlock in the first half. Tyrique Clarke came close to turning home a cross from Myers in the 34th minute, while Tuma scuffed a shot at goal as the hosts enjoyed a sustained spell of first half pressure.

It took them just seven minutes in the second half to take the lead, however, with Shakpoke making an impact after coming on at the break for Tuma.

Jaiden Drakes-Thomas lifted in the corner from the right and Shakpoke powered his header into the back of Harris’ net.

There were further appeals for a penalty when Shakpoke appeared to be tripped in the box in the 58th minute.

Although the visitors pushed hard for a leveller in the final stages, Slough remained a threat on the counterattack. Desbois made an excellent save to keep out a shot from the edge of the box in the 62nd minute. But although Weston pressed, they created very little as Slough navigated their way through 10 minutes of stoppage time to claim their third straight win in the league.

Next up for them is another home game against ninth placed Horsham at Arbour Park on Saturday.

A victory would take the Rebels to within a point of their visitors, and you wouldn’t bet against them given the run of form they’re on and the teams they’ve recently defeated.