Hayes & Yeading United fell to a surprising defeat against Hampton & Richmond Borough on a rainy evening at the Beveree.

The opening exchanges looked very promising for United as they dominated the match for much of the first half. A move which began with goalkeeper Melvin Minter’s short goal kick to Andrew Dean saw David Manu find Harry Tew-Robinson with a long pass but his shot was deflected wide by Clint Christchurch.

United took the lead from the resultant corner which was half cleared, but Riquel Samuel was lurking and was able to fire the ball into the corner of the net through a crowded penalty area.

United continued to attack at will at this point and William Figueira’s throughball found Elliott Legg in an advanced position but the wide man shot across the face of goal and wide of the far post. Then, Prosper Ezewuzie and Dean combined to set up another attack as the latter’s cross was flicked on by Tew-Robinson into Legg’s path, but again Christchurch was able to block.

The game then went into a lull, although Tom Marr’s header from a Ross Seldon free kick caused undue concern for keeper Thalu Masindi who fumbled under no pressure but reacted quickly to gather up the loose ball.

The whole game turned within three minutes just before half time when out of the blue, a long pass from Ben Robson turned the United defence and Oscar Anyanwu got in behind and applied an assured finish past the onrushing Minter.

Just moments later, Hampton were in front as an identical throughball over the top, this time by Daniel McNabb, put Blazej Makowski through and he was pulled down by Marr for a penalty. Robson confidently converted down the middle.

United were stunned that after all their dominance, they were behind at half time, but the second half was a different story as for long stretches, Hampton comfortably held their visitors at arm’s length. As the rain got heavier, the chances for either side got scarcer and the second half degenerated into a dull midfield battle.

Hampton got close on 64 minutes as Ryan Moore picked up a loose ball and drove towards goal, but Minter blocked the ball with his legs. Six minutes later, United had their sole second half effort on target as Samuel fired another long shot, but although Masindi again fumbled it, he was comfortably able to gather the ball at the second attempt.

Tom Marr prevented Hampton from stretching their lead when he deflected a goalbound effort from Reece Barnett over the bar and towards the end, Minter pulled off a superb save as Christchurch’s dipping long shot looked destined for the top corner.

But try as they might, United were not able to generate enough pressure on the Hampton goal to get back into the game and had to accept defeat for only the second time in the Ryman Youth League this season.

Report by Nick Bell.

United Man of the Match: Riquel Samuel.