Hayes & Yeading United hope the return of two key players this week can revive their fortunes on the field.

Tristan Lewis’s boys hit a low point on Saturday as a 2-0 loss to Bishop’s Stortford made it no wins in three attempts for United, after a poor performance at York Road.

However, talismanic defender Ben Gerring and returning wide man Mason Spence are due to take their place back in the squad for tonight’s (Tuesday’s) trip to Hemel Hempstead Town.

Boss Lewis said ahead of Saturday’s game at St Albans: “We’ve been lacking consistency, but we’re confident of having everybody back fit soon. [Yado] Mambo’s had his surgery now so he’ll be back soon. Ben Gerring will also be back.

“Any manager will always look to improve their group, but for the first time in a long time we feel like we have some good players here.

“They’re all pushing each other and hope we can pick up enough points to reflect that.”

“I’ve been here for four years, and although there has been a football team, there hasn’t been a football club.

“Tony [O’Driscoll – the chairman] and everyone else has worked really hard to create a club.

“We want to invest in the youth. My career has been investing in youth so it’s pleasing for me that the chairman is supporting that.

“It may not be this year, next year or the year after, but eventually it’ll bear fruit.”

Elsewhere, there was FA Cup fever in Uxbridge as goals from Luke Henegan, Matt Woods and Zak Joseph saw the Reds beat Heybridge Swifts 3-1 to advance into the second qualifying round.

Northwood were set to do it all again on Tuesday night after playing out a goalless draw in their tie with Ryman Premier outfit Harrow Borough on Saturday.

AFC Hayes lost 2-0 to Colliers Wood in the Combined Counties Premier and were tonight due to travel to Chertsey Town.