Barney reaches dozen mark to put United through to qualifying round

LEE Barney’s 12th goal of the season was enough to see Hayes & Yeading United through to the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy with victory at Barking on Saturday.

Extending their winning run and with another clean sheet, manager Paul Hughes was reflective post match.

“It was a difficult tie against a side that didn’t take any risks on the ball and knew how to play their pitch,” he said.

“The windy conditions were not conducive for good football and I felt we adapted extremely well to a different type of challenge.

“The back line were excellent all game and they had to be. It was a succession of long balls upfield and long throw-ins into our box that had to be dealt with and we were superb in that department.

“When we are up against teams that create very little and rely on you making mistakes, then they are always relying on a bit of luck, misfortune or a poor decision in order to score. We didn’t give them that opportunity and we were resolute throughout.”

Hughes added: “The game was not pretty to watch but what pleased me was the work ethic, the organisation and the basic will to win.

“We were very difficult to break down and with our attacking record we knew we would create opportunities to score, and we did.

“Without Donnelly or Culley available it was Liam McDevitt who captained the side and I though he was exceptional.

“He is a huge voice and presence at the back for us.

“If we continue to defend with that type of enthusiasm, energy and desire, then we will win a lot of games this season and could be in for a good cup run.”

The Trophy win came on the back of the Velocity Cup victory at home to Premier Division Potters Bar Town midweek.

United had a 2-0 lead through Toomey and Bridges but conceded in injury time of the 90 to send it to a penalty shoot-out, which they won 5-4.

United travel in the league to Hertford Town on Saturday.