Garry Haylock is predicting a return to form once his squad is back to full strength.

Hayes & Yeading United have taken only 12 points from 36 since beating AFC Wimbledon in September, sliding from first to eighth place.

The run coincided with a succession of injuries, particularly up front where Staforde Palmer, Kieran Knight and Scott Fitzgerald have all missed a substantial number of games and their absence has been a prime factor in the team's dwindling fortunes.

"I am a little bit concerned," admitted Hay-lock. "We've played in fits and starts and I think it's indicative of the fact that we've had some players missing at various times.

"But I'm hoping if everyone comes back in competition for places hots up and everyone pushes each other on.

Knight (toe) returned on New Year's Day, Scott Fitzgerald (shoulder) could be available for the trip to Bognor a week on Saturday and Palmer is banging the goals in on loan with Northwood, leaving Toby Little as the only player not due to to return soon.

Haylock confirmed Palmer will definitely return after his month is up at Northwood Park, hopefully after he's added to his four goals in two games by which time the manager hopes United will be up and running again.

United travelled to play AFC Telford United in the FA Trophy last night (Tuesday) with the winners drawn away to either Tiverton Town or Kettering Town in the last 16 on January 31. Neighbours Uxbridge will be away to Ebbsfleet United or Stalybridge Celtic if they knock out Swindon Supermarine.

On Saturday H&Y host a Bath City side boasting eight wins and three defeats in their last 11 league games and another win would see them leapfrog United in Conference South.