Putman pickme-up for H&Y

LEWIS PUTMAN’s arrival at Hayes & Yeading may have come at the perfect time for all concerned, according to boss Paul Hughes.

The striker, brought in on loan from Slough Town last week, marked his debut with a goal in Sunday’s 2-1 Southern Premier defeat to Kettering at Holloways Park.

Putman, pictured, was a rising star when he signed for United’s neighbours Wealdstone a few seasons ago, but injuries and other issues have stunted his progress.

Hughes though, feels those problems are behind Putman and he could be the man to fire them to Southern Premier safety.

“Not everyone knows the reasons why Lewis perhaps didn’t fulfil that potential,” said Hughes. “He went through a lot as a young man, outside football, but now feels he is ready to get back on the road to that progression. Lewis was doing well at Slough who then changed the way they played and the shape did not suit him, but he suits us. He is also a free-kick specialist, which is something we have been missing.”

Putman’s strike was ultimately not enough against Kettering for a United side who conceded twice from corners in the second half. Hughes believes the loss came from a failure to push on from the positive football of the first half – a consequence of a lack of confidence. He added: “We played really well [in the] first half on Sunday, Putts took his goal well and we might have got a second.

“At half-time we wanted to push on, but the boys sat back and invited pressure. We need to realise we are a good side and can dominate, but that is part of the players’ mentality. It’s a confidence issue.”

In Division One Central, Uxbridge lost 5-2 at leaders Royston but Northwood drubbed bottom side Petersfield 4-0.

A late James Charles penalty saw AFC Hayes beat Epsom & Ewell 1-0 in the Combined Counties Premier and an Aaron McLeish double saw Harefield United beat Risborough Rangers 2-1 in Spartan South Midlands One.