MAGIC MIKE STRIPS SLOUGH DOWN TO SIZE

Saturday saw a return to the College Meadow for the 1s, who were looking to get back to winning ways after the defeat to London Academicals last week. Both Joe Allen and Michael Lawrence made a welcome return to the side to bolster attacking options.

After a scrappy opening 15 minutes, where both sides looked to go direct, Blackheath began to get a foothold in the game. Eventually, Blackheath rightfully took the lead with a Chris Harden goal. Blackheath quickly went 2-0 up with Michael Lawrence rifling a reverse shot into the back of the net. The home side went into the break 2-0 up, mainly thanks to James Craigmyle who made an outstanding double save to keep the clean sheet intact.

The second half began much as the first had ended, with Blackheath pressing forward and looking to put the game to bed. The stubborn Slough defence eventually relented, and the score changed to 3-0 with another Chris Harden goal after a well-worked move.

Credit to Slough, who were reduced to 9 men after two red cards in the second half. The away side had some very skilful individuals and were fiercely competitive throughout the game. This persistence paid off for the away side, who broke up play down the right hand side of Blackheath’s defence, before firing into the net. 3-1.

A quick fire Lawrence brother double put the game beyond reach. Firstly David Lawrence adding to his impressive season goal tally to make the game 4-1, before Michael Lawrence slotted another trademark goal.

Slough won a penalty flick that the ever impressive Craigmyle narrowly missed out on keeping out of the Blackheath net. 5-2.

Shortly after the penalty flick, Chris Harden, as he has done so often in his Blackheath career, rounded off his hattrick to settle the score at 6-2.

A well fought victory for Blackheath and some excellent performances across the pitch certainly provide foundations for the 1s to build on.

Mom - Michael Lawrence. A superb return to the side, and some fantastic finishing in front of goal.