A late Conor Cumber strike acted merely as a consolation goal for Hayes & Yeading United as they were well beaten by an impressive Thamesmead Town side.

United's players and staff will admit that their own performance was disappointing and in a competition which the club are very keen to improve in following similar early exits in recent years. However, this should take nothing away from a fine performance from the visiting side who were strong, well organised and full of determination from start to finish.

United edged the first half without breaking the deadlock, although Leo Cunningham flashed a header jsut wide from Joel Jacob's pinpoint free kick and Nicke Kabamba was also just off target with a header from another Jacobs centre.

Jacobs continued to cause problems with his dead ball delivery as a corner was punched without conviction by Joe Bailey in the Thamesmead goal and Nicke Kabamba sent the loose ball just over the bar.

Just before half time, United keeper Luke Daley made his first save, a comfortable one after Arlie Desanges mishit a flicked on free kick at point blank range.

A key moment came immediately after the restart as Thamesmead broke the deadlock 43 seconds into the second half. Desanges ran at the United defence and althoguh Cunningham got a challenge in, the visiting forward prodded the ball to strike partner Ade Jinadu who ran through on goal and finished assuredly beyond the diving Daley.

Desanges was inches wide with a half volley in front of goal soon after and when George Stollery's free kick was funbled by Daley, Jordan Copeland had a great chance to double Thamesmead's lead but was wayward with his finish.

United responded as Callum Chickah broke clear of the defence but his lob landed on the roof of the net. However, within minutes, Thamesmead were to claim the crucial next goal, Desanges with a superb dipping volley that gave Daley no chance from well outside the penalty area.

At this point, United were being overran and an unmarked Josh Wilson was able to slot the ball in at the back post ten minutes later to extend Thamesmead's lead.

Cameron Gilmartin brought out the best in Bailey with a fierce drive which the keeper tipped over the bar and then hit a free kick from just outside the corner of the area that cleared the crossbar by inches.

And the midfielder created Cumber's consolation strike when his defence splitting ball put the striker through and he clipped it over the advancing Bailey.

Bailey also fended off Safi Fazli's late angled shot after the forward cut inside from the by line, and within moments, Thamesmead's progression to the next round was confirmed by the referee's final whistle.

United will be looking for an improved performance against Barnet in their next fixture on Monday.

Report by Nick Bell. Photos by Ray Peploe.

United Man of the Match: Cameron Gilmartin.