RICHARDSON HAS EYES ON SOUTHERN TITLE
UNITED CONTINUE GIANTKILLING WITH FA TROPHY SCALP
BUOYANT Hayes & Yeading United continued their winning streak against clubs from higher divisions at the weekend with victory in the FA Trophy at Hitchin Town.
Having previously knocked AFC Rushden & Diamonds out the FA Cup and Potters Bar Town out of the Isthmian League Velocity Trophy, a single goal from Lee Barney was sufficient to steer United through to the second qualifying round.
Barney’s 14th goal of the season – in just 16 appearances – came in the 59th minute when he rose unchallenged beyond the far post and looped a header goalwards that, in attempting to push over, keeper Josh Mollison could only help into the net.
Manager Paul Hughes was pleased with the victory and his side’s seventh straight win in all competitions.
“We always knew it would be a close game, but we were well prepared and well organised throughout,” he said. “They certainly had their chances, but I think we more than shaded the best of the play and deserved the win.
“Barney proved again what a goal machine he is and could have perhaps have had another one or two on another day. This is a team United in more ways than one and the celebrations for the goal showed the great team spirit we have going on here.
“We are creative and have goals in us from all areas of the pitch, but we are also far more solid as a defensive unit too.
“Some great blocks from Liam McDevitt and Priestley Farquharson in the dying minutes not only kept the clean sheet but also showed the passion that burns within this side to work hard for each other and the club.”
Hayes are not the finished article though and Hughes added: “We still have things to learn and improve on and we can’t be complacent, but we know we are building a reputation that puts a little bit of fear in other clubs before we even turn up to play them.
“Deserved or not, we need to stay focused and work hard to maintain that reputation.”
United have been drawn to travel to either Banbury United or Swindon Supermarine in the FA Trophy second qualifying round, a match to be played on the weekend of November 10/11.
On Saturday Hayes are back in league action with a trip to Ware.