On a warm April Saturday afternoon, the Moles travelled to West London to play promotion chasing Hayes & Yeading. The teams met at the beginning of February when Hayes & Yeading were 1-0 winners.
Hayes & Yeading took the lead in the 10th minute when the Moles defence failed to deal with the ball and Tyler Hayles lobbed Moles keeper CJ. The Moles equalised two minutes later when Pennicott-Bowen’s long throw goes through everyone and Smith-Jones was there to put the pressure on the back post with the last touch coming off a Hayes player and into the back on the net.
United took the lead again just five minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for handball which was converted by Tayer Hayles. They were awarded another penalty in the 36th minute when CJ was judged to have brought down a United player. CJ saved the initial shot from Kaylen Hinds and then pulled off a superb save to prevent Herson Alves scoring on the rebound.
There were further opportunities for both teams but that is how the first half finished. United leading 2-1.
United extended their lead in the 57th minute when Kaylen Hinds made up for his penalty miss. The Moles pulled one back immediately when Esprit got caught but Monty continued the run and drives to the byline. Lindo’s shot is initially blocked but after a scramble Brady is there to finish his own move. The first goal for Monty for the senior team.
The excitement continued in the 78th minute when Logan Coles picked up the ball and drove at the Hayes defence. His shot hit the inside of the bar but comes out to Lindo who puts it into an empty net. United had the final say when they scored the winner in the 83rd minute with a goal from George Sippets.
Final Score: Hayes & Yeading 4 – Binfield 3
Overall a great performance from the Moles against a team vying for promotion through the playoffs. Despite going two goals down, they never gave up and came close to snatching a point.
They welcome Guernsey to the Iconic Stadium next Saturday 18th KO 2pm.
Photos: Daisy Spiers
