Pure elation for 10-man Slough Town after spirited victory over Maidenhead United

Slough Town showed spirit, hunger and resolve to pull off a derby day victory over Maidenhead United in the SL Classico.

With the match evenly poised at 1-1 heading into half-time, the Rebels’ gameplan appeared to be thrown into disarray when Reading loanee Basil Tuma was sent off for a robust aerial challenge.

But rather than wilt in the raucous atmosphere at a packed-out York Road, the visitors defended gallantly before defender Kiki Oshilaja stabbed home with 20 minutes to play.

Second half substitute Jared Myers then slotted home in injury time to cue wild celebrations among the visiting supporters and leave interim Magpies boss Ryan Peters suffering his first major setback in charge.

This Boxing Day clash had all the ingredients for a classic and it did not disappoint with a full throttle start almost from the first whistle.

Josh Umerah gave the hosts a second-minute lead as he converted inside the box after Slough had failed to clear an in-swinging corner.

The early Magpies goal threatened to deal a knockout blow to the visitors but as the half wore on, their counter-attacking threat grew.

The galloping Harvey Walker and Reading loanee Basil Tuma surged again and again down the left hand channel, causing problems with their powerful running.

The Rebels then drew level in the 36th minute as neat interplay found forward Luke Holness who arrowed the ball first time past Van Stapppershoef.

Slough continued to grow in confidence but the game’s major flashpoint came just before half time as the lively Tuma was adjudged to have elbowed Maidenhead’s Chanse Headman in a physical aerial challenge.

Referee Richard Wharton reached straight for his back pocket and brandished the red card – cuing an incensed reaction from the visiting players.

Maidenhead boss Ryan Peters reacted with an attacking change, bringing on Jayden Mitchell-Lawson for Jordan Ragguette at the break.

The Magpies won a succession of corners as the pressure continued to build in a cauldron-like York Road.

But the visitors defended their box stoutly and stunned the home crowd as defender Kiki Oshilaja stabbed home from a free-kick after a rare foray forward with 20 minutes to play.

As time slipped away, Maidenhead couldn’t prize open the resolute Rebels backline and desperation started to seep in as Sam Barratt flashed two shots over the crossbar.

Any hopes of a grandstand finish for the hosts were wiped out as Jared Myers wrapped the game up in injury time, finishing low past Van Stappershoef to send the travelling Slough supporters wild.

The final whistle brought an end to a pulsating Boxing Day clash which, played out in front of almost 3,000 people, captured the blood, thunder and beauty of non-league football.

The Rebels players and supporters were left in pure elation while Magpies boss Ryan Peters must now figure how his side squandered a position of strength to hand the bragging rights to their neighbours from along the Bath Road.