United leave it late to take cup victory

HAYES & YEADING’S REWARD IS A TRIP TO BADSHOT LEA

HAYES & YEADING UNITED scored a last-minute winner at Haywards Heath to set up an FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Step 5 Combined Counties League Premier outfit Badshot Lea.

After coming through the replay at home to AFC Dunstable midweek via extra-time, when Toby Little broke Hayes & Yeading United’s alltime goalscoring record in a 2-1 win, United dominated the away tie in Sussex but looked set to draw a blank in front of goal until Dejon Noel-Williams put home at the far post.

The result pleased manager Paul Hughes: “It was a very dominating display from us against a very confident and high flying Step 4 team. These type of cup games are never easy, especially away from home.

“I was pleased with the work-rate of the players again. I talk about ‘patterns’ a lot and our lads have consistently shown a very strong work ethic this season in each of our games.

“This pattern is a very healthy one to have ingrained in the group. There can be no question, we certainly play for the full 95 minutes.”

There was a word of caution from the boss, though.

“Another, not so healthy, pattern that seems to be developing is our ability to create numerous chances but not convert.

“This was another prime example of this. We could be much more clinical in front of goal with the quality we have.

“This is something we need to either continue to work on within the group or look to strengthen from outside. Not converting our chances led to a game that should’ve been out of sight by half-time and ended up being a nervy ending with a lastminute winner.

“But despite me moaning, we’re unbeaten in our last five games and have only conceded two goals. Defensively we’ve looked very strong and I was pleased with that aspect of our game again. We’ve simply cut out the silly defensive errors we made at the start of the season and our communication has improved immensely.

“We’re certainly proving to be a very tough nut to crack.

“On the attacking front, I’m pleased for Dejon Noel-Williams in opening his scoring account with us. He does a lot of selfless work for the team but it’s his goals that he will be judged on by most people.

“That confidence should help him and the rest of team move forwards now. If we can add those all important goals to our recent performances then we will have an extremely strong team on our hands.

“As management, we can see our rhythm as a football team is starting to establish itself. A few tweaks and we feel we’ll be able to string together some wins together and start to navigate our way up that table.”

As for the cup draw, he added: “We’re happy with the draw in terms of the level of the club we’ve drawn of course. We’d rather a Step 5 than a Step 2 team. The facilities are very good and their pitch is excellent so that is another plus point.”