Fogden the goal hero as Hawks reignite National League South title dream

Danny Kedwell in the thick of things during Hawks' 1-0 home win over Slough Town. Photo by Dave Haines

A 29th minute Wes Fogden goal proved enough to decide the contest.

The win took the Hawks above their opponents and up to third in the National League South.

With leaders Wealdstone losing at home the previous night, Paul Doswell’s men are now just seven points adrift of the table-toppers - having played a game more.

Andy Drury lines up a shot. Picture: Dave Haines

Andy Drury replaced injured top scorer Jonah Ayunga in the only change in the Hawks starting line-up to the one beaten 2-1 at Westleigh Park by lowly St Albans last Saturday.

The home side should have been behind in the opening 30 seconds when an unmarked Ben Harris headed over an open goal from three yards.

Almost immediately Hawks keeper Ross Worner had to get down to turn a low drive behind for a corner.

In a frantic opening, Danny Kedwell had a close-range shot on the turn blocked for a corner at the near post.

Wes Fogden and Bedsente Gomis celebrate Hawks' winner against Slough. Photo by Dave Haines

The Hawks picked up their pace and Bedsente Gomis flashed a drive narrowly over the bar.

It had been a lively start with both teams looking to attack at every opportunity.

On 21 minutes Kedwell put a header straight into the arms of Rebels goalkeeper Jack Turner from eight yards.

There was an escape for the Hawks when Harris again headed wide from a good position.

Danny Kedwell rises high against Slough Town. Photo by Dave Haines

Hawks grabbed what proved to be the winner on 29 minutes after Gomis split the defence with a great through ball.

Fogden raced through and under pressure slid the ball past the advancing Turner.

An unsighted Worner did well to get down and hold onto the ball as Matt Lench shot through a crowded area.

The Hawks were keen to grab a second goal to kill the game off.

Alfie Rutherford goes past the Slough keeper, only to hit the post. Photo by Dave Haines.

Too many times this season they have been guilty of dropping points at home after taking the lead.

Slough launched a lot of high balls forward but Craig Robson and Dean Beckwith remained solid in the heart of the defence.

The home side made a double-change on 73 minutes, sending on Chris Paul and Andy Rutherford for Gomis and Drury.

Both teams were cancelling each other out and chances had dried up.

In the closing stages the home side had to defend stoutly as the Rebels pushed for an equaliser.

Rutherford had a great chance to seal it when he rounded the goalkeeper only to crash his shot against the upright.

This was Hawks’ fourth midweek home league win in four attempts, and no doubt extra satisfying given the fact last November's initial meeting at Westleigh Park had been abandoned due to Slough protests about the state of the pitch with Hawks leading 2-0.

Hawks: Worner, Read,Beckwith, Robson, Tiensia, Bailey, Drury, Fogden, Taylor, Gomis, Kedwell. Substitutes: Walton, Tarbuck, Dennett, Paul, Rutherford.