PHIL Babb watched his players knock in four goals against 10-man Chelmsford City on Saturday, but it was the clean sheet at the other end that most pleased the Hayes & Yeading boss.
Dean Inman bagged a brace, Frankie Merrifield found the net and Jake Reid rammed home a penalty to give United their first home victory of the season at the third attempt.
Goalkeeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz was not beaten on the day, which Babb, a former international defender, found the most pleasing aspect of the triumph at Kingfield.
“The lads played well but what you’ve also got to do is capitalise on a bit of good fortune, and that was the sending off,” he said. “It’s all about how you use that to your advantage and the boys did that well.
“Keeping the clean sheet was important as well, particularly after two disappointing results. It was a thoroughly pleasing performance.
“Someone told me it’s the first back-to-back clean sheet in about three years so that’s a sign of progress. We created enough chances in our first two home games but we didn’t get the results we wanted. We turned that around on Saturday with a good win and that’s what I expect from my boys.”
Hayes & Yeading will play their next four Conference South matches away from home but Babb is not worried about a lack of home comforts.
“The group is starting to settle,” he said.
“I think we need a bit of cover in two areas – we are looking at a centre half and for a defensive midfielder.
“It’s not ideal to play four away games on the bounce and then you don’t know if you’re going to be home or away in the FA Cup which is sandwiched in between.”
Marlon Patterson made his United debut at full back on Saturday but is not expected to become a regular fixture in the side as he was only brought in as emergency cover for the suspended Adam Everitt.
