TOBY SAVES THE DAY WITH LATE QUICKFIRE DOUBLE
TOBY SAVES THE DAY WITH LATE QUICKFIRE DOUBLE
HAYES & YEADING boss Paul Hughes reckoned he learned a lot from his side’s first outing in the Isthmian League South Central as they drew 3-3 with much fancied Cheshunt.
Two late goals from Toby Little in the space of 60 seconds helped seal a point for Hughes’ men and he was philosophical after the game.
“First day of the season is always an exciting time and I’m sure the neutral would have enjoyed watching our first outing against Cheshunt,” he reflected.
“They are a physically strong team with an experienced manager so we knew it wouldn’t be an easy opening game for us and the first 15 minutes proved to be tough.”
“It was slightly against the run of play when Toby [Little] broke clear and set up the opener, and it was pleasing for Lewis Toomey to open his goal scoring account for us with a good finish.
“We started to find our feet after the goal and began to dominate the ball.
“This led to at least three clear goal scoring opportunities for us but we failed to take them and this, in my opinion, was what ultimately cost us all three points. Had we taken at least one of the three chances then the game would have panned out much differently.”
He added: “Cheshunt’s first real attempt ended up in the back of our net.
“We weren’t happy with the goal. It was a good finish but we should have picked up the second ball and our defence should have closed him down much quicker on the edge of the box.
“You can’t give good players time to pick their spot from that distance.”
Hughes said going in 1-1 at the break was hard to take given the chances his men had missed.
He added: “It was a kick in the teeth.
“We didn’t start the second half at a high enough tempo and this gave Cheshunt a chance to gain a foothold in the game.
“Their two goals were well taken and finding yourself 3-1 down with 10 minutes to go isn’t a great position to be in.
“The one thing the group showed was tremendous character and Toby led that charge with his energy and quality. His two goals were exceptionally well taken and the team were brilliant in terms of their belief, energy and will to win.
“If it wasn’t for a tremendous save by their keeper at the end from Culley, we could have left winning the game 4-3.
“Although I’m unhappy at conceding the three goals, I am extremely happy that the group we have assembled this year have proven they have character and a real gutsy desire to win football matches. This is something you cannot coach.”
United entertain Egham Town on Saturday.