Tom Collins rejoined Hayes & Yeading for a third time this week but the striker doesn’t regret leaving the club to head north two years ago.

The 22-year-old goal man spent the past couple of years at Stockport County and Hyde but slipped through the trapdoor with both clubs.

It was a brave decision for the young forward to relocate and he returned to the area permanently this summer, having come back on loan briefly in February 2013, to sign for United’s Conference South rivals Wealdstone.

Things didn’t work out under Gordon Bartlett though and, after a brief stint at Hampton & Richmond, the striker pulled on the red shirt again on Saturday.

He made his mark too, netting the winner in a 2-1 triumph over Bishop’s Stortford, and hopes his experiences elsewhere will benefit his H&Y team-mates.

Another change: Tom Collins in action for Wealdstone earlier this season

He said: “I loved it up there, it was an adventure.

“I don’t regret going up there for one minute. I believe it has made me a better player. It was a bit of a trek up there but once I was up there I was fine.

“Of course my family, friends and girlfriend are down here. Everything is down here really but it’s nice to try something different. That’s what life is all about.

“It was a chance to play in the Conference Premier and I think it really is a different game in the Conference South. It’s much more physical in this league.

Return: Tom Collins in action for Wealdstone against H&Y this season

“You get more time on the ball in the Conference Premier. It is a bit more ratty at this level and I need to learn to release the ball more quickly.”

Hayes & Yeading boss Phil Babb had no hesitation in bringing Collins back on board and was pleased to see the move yield instant results in the win over Stortford.

“It was a good win, with a lot of chances, excellent professionalism,” Babb said of the Stortford performance. “We just want to collect as many points as possible, and build up a momentum.

“There’s a full round of midweek fixtures this week, and we want to keep in touch with the play-offs and leaders. The league is our main focus at the moment, after last season we just want survival.”