Hayes & Yeading 0-1 Gosport Borough
Hayes & Yeading crumbled against Gosport for the second time in ten days last night, keeping them in a relegation battle they seem incapable of escaping with any conviction.
Tuesday’s win against Dorchester had seemingly laid a platform for Phil Babb’s men to distance themselves from the foot of the Conference South - but a third loss in four leaves them precariously balanced above the drop zone.
United – who remain just three points clear of Maidenhead - were as uninspiring in defeat as Gosport were in victory. The few fans who turned up reciprocated with little enthusiasm for a dreary contest.
On-loan striker Freddie Ladapo forged a handful of chances but failed to capitalise on any of them. He had the ball in the net after only eleven seconds but was adjudged offside and his adept curling finish was expunged.
He later stung the fingers of Gosport goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore with a fierce strike after being slipped through by marauding left-back Jack Mills but it was straight at Ashmore, who parried it away confidently.
Ladapo threatened again after the restart with a powerful half volley but, if anything, connected with the ball too well and it sailed over the bar.
Having teased sporadically but fashioned no notable chances, Gosport finally tested United’s stand-in goalkeeper Charlie Crowley 58 minutes in – to lethal effect.
A rare lapse in defensive discipline saw United’s line dissected on the edge of their area. Justin Bennett‘s shot was saved by Crowley’s sprawling left boot but it broke to Dan Wooden, who duly powered it into the unmanned net.
It was a fatal blow from which United could not recover. Babb shuffled the pack but, although introductions of Geoff Mitchell, Niall McManus and Kamaron English helped United pepper the box with menacing crosses, Ashdown commanded his area impeccably and Borough’s resolve was immovable.
The sole bright spark was Ben Gerring’s late attempt for goal of the season. His superbly-struck thunderbolt from 45 yards nearly dipped under the crossbar but was tipped over by a scampering Ashmore at the last second.
The result ensured Borough’s safety but while celebratory tunes exploded from the visitors’ boom-box, dejection and incredulity quietly covered the face of each United player.
There is no time to lick wounds, though – tough fixtures against Boreham Wood, Eastbourne and Dover will decide Hayes & Yeading’s fate over the next eight days.
