Kieran Knight's shock departure last week could be one of many changes at Hayes & Yeading United as they try to arrest their Conference South slide, writes Scott Newman.
The hard working striker switched to play-off rivals Hampton & Richmond Borough because of a lack of first team opportunities, in the wake of last Tuesday's game at AFC Wimbledon where he came on as a very late substitute.
Knight made his name at North-wood before joining Hayes in 2004 and he stayed at Church Road following the merger, netting 58 times in 224 appearances for Hayes and United.
He hit all four goals in a 4-1 demolition of Chelmsford City in the FA Trophy in December, taking his tally to nine this season, but he has not found the net since, partly due to a broken toe.
He seemed to have fallen behind Omari Coleman in the pecking order and with five strikers including Josh Scott and Staforde Palmer now fit, at least until last Saturday when Scott Fitzgerald injured his shoulder for the second game in a row, Knight's time appeared to be up.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Aaron Howe and Steve Perkins, who were culpable for the goals at Wimbledon, did not even make the bench at
Havant. Left-winger Dale Binns made his debut after signing from Maiden-head United, which meant Scott was able to play up front, but United need to rediscover their winning form quickly if they are to get back into the promotion picture.
Will Hendry has completed his suspension and is expected to be involved when United host St Albans City on Saturday, with a trip to Welling United to follow on Tuesday.
