‘Stunned and happy’ after cup win
BOSS Paul Hughes was full of conflicted emotions after his Hayes & Yeading side stumbled into the FA Cup fourth qualifying round after a staggering 5-4 win against Hendon.
As cup games go, it was a game that had almost everything.
Nine goals, two penalties, goals via the woodwork and goalkeeper, a near comeback, a controversial restart goal and a shout for a red card.
At the end of it, Hayes set up a home tie with Poole Town, having been 3-0 up at half-time.
“I’m past angry,” were the words Hughes used as he left the field.
“We do some great things, get ourselves in front and then forget about the simple things that secure the win and make our afternoon easier and more enjoyable.
“Sometimes it’s frustrating being a manager but I know that equally goes for the fans watching who must have left here stunned but happy.
“There is plenty to be happy about too.
“We’re in the fourth qualifying round and at times we performed like the team we know we can be.
“We just need that to be for 90-plus minutes every game.”
The game saw the return of former fans’ favourite Hassan Jalloh and his inventiveness and that of Omar Rowe were at the heart of United’s highlights.
United took the lead on 31 minutes when Ogo Obi was brought down in the box and despatched the spot-kick.
On 43 minutes it was 2-0 as Rowe saw his shot saved and Joe Grant slotted home the rebound.
Two minutes later Jalloh fired a 30-yard effort which hit the post and then goalkeeper Chris Grace before
Three up at half-time, Hayes looked in control but on 62 minutes former United man Kameron English fired home a deep corner at the far post for Hendon.
However, it was 4-1 within four minutes when Rowe’s 25-yard free-kick curled low round the wall and inside the post.
The next twist was just seconds away.
From the restart, United goalkeeper Jack Smith was still returning from halfway when Hendon took a quick kick-off and another former United player, Sam Corcoran, fired from his own half into the empty net.
On 75 minutes Francis Amartey made it 4-3 and then five minutes later got the equaliser.
With Hendon in the ascendancy, Luca Valentine capitalised on a United defensive mistake on 86 minutes, looping the ball over Smith but against the woodwork and the home defence cleared.
In such an eventful game a replay was always unlikely and the game was settled on 88 minutes when Jalloh, felled in the box, slotted home from the penalty spot.