Will Hendry's 78th minute penalty further strengthened Hayes and Yeading United's Blue Square Conference South play-off hopes at Thurrock on Saturday (14/3).

Hendry's spot kick gave United a 1-0 victory - their sixth on the trot - and they have now opened up a seven point gap in fifth spot over the chasing pack for a play-off position.

Relegation threatened Thurrock had the best chance in the first half when their leading scorer Che Stadhart missed from close range.

The vital breakthough for Hayes and Yeading came with just 12 minutes remaining when substitute Scott Fitzgerald was hauled down by Thurrock central defender Matt Paine in the box.

Paine was shown the red card and Hendry kept his cool to slot home the penalty and give Garry Haylock's side three more vital points and extend their tremendous recent winning run.

A further boost for Haylock was the return of striker Fitzgerald from injury to boost his squad in the final run in to the end of the season.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday 17/3) United are away to Braintree United in the league. Kick off 7.45pm.