45 minutes to Hayes, a nice ground remarkably similar to The Park, enclosed by a fence with two stands. The pitch looked good to me, too. I thought that the Nationwide Conference cornerflags were a little pretentious, however. I arrived early to be told that the clubhouse opens at 7.00 and the well stocked tea-bar at 6.50 so I soaked up the pre-match atmosphere in front of the main stand before kick-off in the company of the (£2) programme, a terrific read for half an hour or so. The best in the League, by a margin.
Notwithstanding the Conference corner flags, Hayes were relegated last season and have struggled to find form this term, with just two victories, the second last Saturday at Chesham. The Saints top the league by 3 points and have yet to concede a goal on the road.
The Dynamic Duo reproduced Saturday's team-sheet with Wilmot in goal; 4 at the back: Moran, Townley, Campbell and Naylor; 4 in the middle: Oakes, Challinor, Castle and Smith; and up front: Martin and Crawshaw. The same bench: Brown, De Souza, Keen, Hollenbach and Evans.
City started in lively fashion against a fragile looking Hayes defence. However, after 6 minutes, the home winger sped between Moran and Townley to shoot beneath Wilmot. 1-0. Neither The Saints, nor the fans were downhearted, we are top of the League after all. Goals would come. But no. Hayes began to find some rythmn and showed real pace on the flanks in attack. On 15 minutes, Hayes broke on the right and quick passing to the left resulted in a clever lob over Wilmot, caught in no-mans-land. 2-0.
Chances were created in attack. A Townley header was just wide, First Smith and then Martin were one on one with a defender on the edge of the box but half chances could not be taken. Crawshaw was well policed by the home No 4 who spent the entire game inside the back of the City striker's shirt. The City midfield dropped deep, leaving the strikers stranded and no-one to collect that 'second balls' other than the Hayes midfield. At the same time, the Hayes attack was showing real pace and looked threatening throughout. 2-0. H.T.
Keen came on at half-time for Oakes. City needed an early goal but Hayes were now in control. I recall a Martin header wide and a second against the outside of the post but we were looking ragged. De Souza came on for Moran to play 3-5-3. Brown came on for Campbell. Hayes threatened with every attack and a third goal came with 10 minutes left when a poor clearance was picked up and shot past the stranded Wilmot. 3-0.
This was a disappointing night for City. Well beaten. I asked myself 'where did it go wrong?' Three or four players were under par tonight, and several of those who we expect to stand out were anonymous. As a team, there is a work-rate but it is not quite clicking. The defence were up against real pace but too often, the Hayes wingers would collect a long ball, static, but in space. We weren't tight enough. The Duo will sort it out, and soon, please.
I couldn't guess the crowd. 350? 400? Perhaps 120 of the Travelling City Faithful. Motm? I don't think so. Keen if I must.
Entertainment 5/10. Technical merit 5/10. Atmosphere 4/10. Referee 4/10.
Match report by Awayday |
