Moneyfields FA Trophy (A)

[Red army]

Third away win in a row, another solid away performance.

First half was a scrappy stop start affair. No real flow to the game, lots of basic fouls from both teams. Pitch didn’t help seemed slow and inconsistent bounces causing the players issues. No better than a goals style pitch in fairness. I’m not big fan of these artificial pitches, but understand the instalment of them at this level.

Poor first half from us really, never settled on the ball and created nothing clear cut due to the closing down of the home side in part. Best chance fell to the home side. Perrie Landolo caught on the ball midway in our half, nice pass into the winger, his shot cannoned back of the underside of the bar. Couple of half chances for the home side defended reasonably well by the Hayes defence. Moneyfields no 9 could easily have seen red in the first half, late challenge on Perrie Landolo in midfield was a yellow but ref let it go without punishment. Ten minutes later another late challenge in the Hayes penalty area on Shawn Joseph resulted in a caution.
Couple of attacks from us but no shot on target that I can remember. Ht 0-0

Second half was reminiscent of our last 2 away games, blistering start, ball found its way to Adrian Clifton in the 18yd box, first touch control out of his feet but his shot charged down by a superb last ditch tackle, luckily for us the ball fell into the path of Jonathan Hippolyte at the back post, his calm first touch to his right, sending defenders sliding past, placed into the far corner. Hayes playing some good stuff, chances for Adrian Clifton and Hippolyte but thwarted on both occasions by the home keeper. Hayes second goal came via the penalty spot to keep Adrian Cliftons flying start to the season going. Another short corner which frustrates a lot of the travelling support at times. Perrie Landolo short corner into Berchiche, he just beat the sliding challenge of the defender to the ball. Clifton superb from the spot again sending the keeper the wrong way.
Hayes on top playing some good quick football especially down the right with Cole and Hercules inter changing
Then came the harsh decision to send Adrian Clifton off, under pressure near the touch line, controls the ball and steps over it to shield it from another opponent, while in the motion of this step the opponent comes in from the side and Adrian catches him around the ankle. No malice but the opposition players and bench all screaming at the ref sways him to pull out the red card.
Final 20 minutes could have been real nail biting stuff, full credit to the players and the management team with exceptional work ethic and substitutions. Better team and still got forward and looked the more likely to score. Juliusz Pazio made few comfortable saves and handled all crosses well under pressure. We looked well drilled and kept the ball well in midfield, moved up the pitch with wingers strength, pace and trickery giving the defence a breather. Last chance of the game fell to the home side a shot from the edge of the box took a slight deflection and hit the bar and bounced clear.

Mom could be any of the players, all put in a shift after a poor first half, going down to 10 men showed some real character to this new look side, something that was seriously lacking last season.
Jonathan Hippolyte gets the vote, took his goal well and constant threat from the left wing second half. Up top after the sending off, never stopped closing down defenders.

COYH

[Mr Heinstein]

Great, thanks for the report.

Having to re-build a team from the ashes of last season and opening up with three away wins is a great achievement.

Early days I know and whether this side can push for promotion we'll have to see, but to have a well organised and highly motivated side really addresses last season's problems so I don't see why this team can't be challenging at the right end of the table.

[Marlowboy]

Great Report, thankyou. Had to miss it and looks like missing Monday as well…….Covid! I know it’s sometimes frustrating watching H&Y live but it’s a dam sight worse watching the Twitter updates although still very grateful! See you all at Sea Side!