Guernsey (A)

[Red army]

Still unbeaten on the road. Grinding out points while not playing at our best, some say sign of a good team?

Was looking forward to this trip and fair play to all the fans who made the effort. Must have been between 40-60 away fans by my reckoning, some a little worse for wear after the previous nights excursions.
Ground was a little disappointing with the running track around the perimeter giving you the feeling your miles away from the action on the pitch. Best view from the main stand and definitely aimed at athletics and rugby who share the ground. There are moving nearer the main town so hopefully a ground designed for football and better viewing and atmosphere.

Started reasonably well plenty of possesion without creating any clear cut chances best opportunities Will Salmon header over from a Herson Alves corner. 2/3 chances for the home team, poor clearance from Goalkeeper Blunkell returned with interest first time striking the base of the far post while he was scrambling to recover. Another half chance cutting inside from the Hayes right and firing wide. Hayes attacking move breaks down midway into their half, slide tackle from Adam Martin not strong enough, then 2/3 tackles ricocheting in favour of the Guernsey man, takes full advantage of his luck and bends a right foot screamer from 30yds round Blunkell who had absolutely no chance of stopping it. We huffed and puffed for the rest of the half. Another Herson Alves corner met at full stretch by James Richmond but over the bar. Herson Alves long range effort high and wide. Long ball over the top from right to left finds Hippolyte ahead of his man, defender watching the ball going over his turns and runs into the back of the Hayes winger and ref points to the spot. Maybe a little soft but was clumsy more than anything. Adrian Clifton reliable as ever rolls the ball home. Ht 1-1

2nd half, for the opening 15 minutes we were as good as I’ve seen, tempo, energy work rate was first class never gave Guernsey room to breathe Adrian Clifton shot blocked on the edge of the box, move down the left involving Clifton and Hinds, the latter into the box shot come cross deflected over the keeper and looping into the far corner with the defender unable to clear. Hippolye effort saved by the keeper and cross fires across from Jack Williams to much pace for Sippetts at the back post. Then the tempo came to an end diagonal ball into the Hayes area chested down and volleyed just over by the striker. Maybe the journey taking its toll towards the later part of the half. Deep and struggled to keep the ball for any length of time resulting in a nervous ten minutes. That being said Guernsey never really created a clear cut chance in that time. Header wide of the target the only real chance I can remember. Ft 1-2

Mom Adam Martin kept the ball simple throughout the game and some crucial tackles in front of the back four later in the game.

Don’t think we can be too critical of the efforts from the lads today. Long day with the travel dug in and brought back 3 points. Fair play to them all, came over thanked the fans on the pitch and also in the bar after the game.
Andy and Simon both happy to answer any questions we had regarding players and selections.

COYH

[Mr Heinstein]

Thanks for the excellent report as usual.

An away win with all that travel on the morning of the match has to be positive and it sounds like the fans who crossed the sea were in fine form too so well done to all concerned.

It's a difficult one to call this year. We're not going to win the league but if we can play to our potential then a playoff place looks achievable. I thought the forward passing was much more fluid against Hartley Wintney with players having built a great understanding of each others play.

Another cup match on Tuesday, not that we're much of a cup team this season, but it is our favourite one so maybe we'll get one over on our exiled neighbours.

[Hayes Away]

Well done to all those who travelled to Guernsey for the game. It was a great turn out by the Hayes and Yeading faithful.

The game itself was a scrappy affair, it seems we are going to be there for a possible playoff place at seasons end. Grinding out 3 pts in games like this one will be a big contributor to that aim.