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Bishop's Stortford 0
Hayes & Yeading Utd 0
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| HYUFC TV - Watch the highlights of this match here courtesy of FC Video |
After the heartbreak of Tuesday's injury time defeat on the back of a lengthy losing streak, United needed to muster a strong team performance at play-off chasing Bishop's Stortford and they did so, to secure their first point in ten games to head into the final third of their season with renewed confidence.
Despite being the second game in three days for both sides, there was no lack of effort with some fierce challenges and strong work ethics on display from both home and away teams. United's renewed tenacity assisted by valiant debuts for Pat Cox and Samir Bihmoutine was evidenced in the eighth minute when Cox's through ball into the path of Freddie Ladapo split the home defence but unfortunately the rushed shot was a simple save for Joe Lumley in the Stortford goal.
Unbeaten in their last four matches before this, Stortford proved to be quick on the break, with a preference for a long ball and an ability win free-kicks around the edge of the area. Twice in the opening half Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz had to be on his game in the United goal, saving first from a Reece Prestedge free-kick and later from an Anthony Church shot from the edge of the box.
At the other end Cox and Ladapo showed the fight and desire the United forward line will need to secure results in the remainder of the season and signs of a good understanding of each other's games too. It was the familiar face of Luke Williams however who showed the brightest hope for a goal, skipping past two defenders tight on the left hand touchline before drilling the ball across the face of goal.
The second half saw the official travelling faithful of five treated to more of the same resolute defending from United, a battling team performance along with a desire to attack. Bihmoutine's pass into Williams who in turn put in Ladapo behind the centre-backs was an example of a better team effort but the striker couldn't keep his effort on target to trouble Lumley in the home goal.
Midway through the half came United's best chance for a breakthrough with Bihmoutine's delivery from the left evading the first defender and Cox unable to guide his reaction header on target from 10 yards out. Moments later Jaimez-Ruiz again was up to the test at the other end, pushing wide a 25 yard rocket of a shot from Prestedge. The resulting corner saw a six yard scramble and the United keeper again was the champion with a block at close range before his defenders cleared their lines.
Before the game was out United could have snatched the win when Ladapo found himself in the Stortford box with the ball at his feet but he dwelled just a little too long to allow a defensive block to loop the ball safely into Lumley's hands.
A deserved point it was to be, with the relief clear on all United faces and the post-match atmosphere suggesting Saturday's clash at Kingfield against Concord Rangers will now be one relished by the United players, management and fans alike.
Report by Tim Fuell.
United Man of the Match: Pat Cox.
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Bishop's Stortford |
Hayes & Yeading United |
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