Mark Molesley managed to secure his first win as boss of Hayes & Yeading convincingly, as a brace from Michael Fernandes and a goal of the season contender from Steve Ngunga ensured we returned to Middlesex with our first league away league win since the opening day at Didcot Town.
Although the game was somewhat affected by the hosts ending the game with ten men, three injury substitutions and former United striker James Clark filling in at centre half, we wish all three players a speedy recovery and hope they are back playing soon.
Basingstoke Town throughout the game lacked any real threat or shots at Jacob Adams, but Adams had to be alert with two minutes on the clock following a dangerous Danny Rowe cross low across the United goal which looked from afar as if it was dipping in but thankfully it went wide of the target.
Hayes & Yeading only managed to create half chances up until the opening goal, Ngunga nutmegged a ‘Stoke defender thus keeping a Cole Brown delivery in play, only to find Fernandes who was unable to control the pass and the attack was stopped with a defensive Basingstoke clearance.
Fernandes broke through from the wing cutting inside on Nathan Smart and Billy Upton who had their arms all over Fernandes, as they attempted to stand him up but he got the better of them both and slotted cooly around home stopper Paul Strudley into the bottom corner to give United the lead.
Ronan Silva twisted and turned running through the middle at goal, his effort was parried wide by Strudley. TYhe follow up corner was taken short by Cole Brown, and Fernandes couldn’t find a way to double his tally and our lead.
Experienced player and the Basingstoke captain Simon Dunn was the first to go off injured, pulling his hamstring.
The hosts next best chance came to no fruition, George Reid with a free-kick from 35 yards out went sailing over the bar.
United were to control the second half right from the re-start, Fernandes with a well delivered cross for Charles Hagan saw the striker stretch but he could not reach the ball.
The lead was doubled as Silva drove through midfield with Sanmi Odelusi and Fernandes either side, Silva kept running and passed it short to Fernandes who took advantage and finished well past Strudley.
Callum Winchombe stayed down as United tried to win the ball back and unfortunately was the second ‘Stoke player to leave the field with an injury.
With Hayes & Yeading in clear control, playing with no fear and persistent running at the hosts defence, Ngunga grabbed a goal of his own to put the result beyond doubt. Intercepting a poor pass, he beat three Basingstoke players and when D’Andre Brown came across to put Ngunga off, the United winger beat his man, with his trickery and pace before stepping inside onto his left foot whereby he powerfully fired past Strudley to make it 3-0.
Report by Corey Eaton-McKnight. United Man of the Match: Steve Ngunga.