United suffer tough start to new year

THE realities of the new year hit Hayes & Yeading United this week with defeat at neighbours Harrow Borough (3-2) on Saturday following a draw with Beaconsfield Town (1-1) in midweek.

Two goals against Borough from Hassan Jalloh were not enough as injuries and player availability issues affected Paul Hughes’ selection.

He was philosophical following the weekend defeat and said: “It was a disappointing result, but not a disappointing performance for the most part. It was a windy day and a poor pitch so we knew it wasn’t going to be a day that was conducive for free-flowing football. It was going to be a battle and I felt we matched them well in that department.

“Both defences were being turned regularly and there was pressure on the ball whenever the ball fell to the midfield players. It was a day to physically assert ourselves and to dominate the opposition with energy and pressure. If we want to do well this season then these are the type of games we need to get results in and, like I said, I felt we matched them in those areas, this wasn’t our problem.

“I didn’t feel they troubled us in open play but they were very dangerous from corners and this is where we came unstuck. Jack Smith missing proved to be a big problem.

“With his height, timing and organisation I felt he would’ve dealt much better with what they threw at us. The goals were very, very soft goals to give away and when you give away soft goals like we did then you will always struggle to get a positive result.”

Things are improving, though, and Hughes added: “We’re starting to get players back from suspension, injury and holiday which will definitely make us stronger and the small margins that were lacking will be made up on their return.

“Every team goes through a period in the season when key players are missing and I feel we’ve performed well during this period considering the impact these players have on our play. I’m very happy with where we sit at this stage of the season. We’re six points off the play-offs in a season where consolidation was the aim.”

United now have a run of two home league games. They travel to Dorchester Town on Saturday and host Poole Town on Tuesday.