Hayes frustrate Magpies (26.02.05)

A FRUSTRATING Saturday afternoon saw the Magpies salvage a point from a game in which they struggled to find a way through a stern Hayes defence.
From the outset the Magpies took the game to the visitors and almost took an early lead on three minutes, when a Simon Patterson flick-on put Craig O’Connor through on goal, only for the striker to put his shot narrowly wide of the post.
Hayes were content to sit back and hit their hosts on the break, a policy which paid dividends in the 19th minute, when a long ball into the box was unclaimed by Magpies keeper Adam Federici.
With everyone expecting the referee to blow for a foul, as Federici had been impeded by two opposing players, Kevin Warner picked up on the loose ball and fired home.
As the half drew on Maidenhead exerted greater pressure on Hayes, winning a succession of corners.
Lee Kersey came closest to scoring from one of these set pieces, when his header was tipped over the bar by Kevin Davies.
O’Connor and Patterson again linked up well shortly before half-time, Patterson’s shot being deflected just wide, following a desperate dive from Davies.
The second half saw Maidenhead continue to dominate possession, a scramble in the box on 58 minutes ending with an O’Connor shot being deflected wide.
As United pressed forward, Hayes began to exploit a weakened defence, with the pace of Mark Molesey creating the opportunity for a long shot which was tipped round the post by Federici with 20 minutes left.
The United equaliser finally came in the 73rd minute, when a Brian Smith cross from the right touchline was controlled by O’Connor before he applied the coup de grace by hammering the ball into the top of the net.
In the time remaining either side could have won the game, Molesey coming closest with a shot which hit the inside of the post, enabling Smith to clear the ball off the line.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: United’s Guy Ekwalla and Simon Patterson jostle for position on Saturday.