Hayes & Yeading

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Lance Cronin

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Hayes & Yeading 4-2 Ebbsfleet

Hayes & Yeading were a side transformed from the one that lost 5-0 to AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day as they defeated Ebbsfleet 4-2 on Monday.

United were three-nil up by the time their visitors responded with Craig Watkins first to find the target before Steve Basham netted himself a brace. Magno Viera's effort got his side back into the tie although Esmond James restored his side's three goal advantage before Scott Ginty netted an injury-time consolation.

Both sides started the game positively with Ram Marwa enjoying the best of the early chances. United's Norwegian midfielder was played through on goal by Steve Basham but Ebbsfleet keeper Lance Cronin did well to stop the shot.

The Fleet nearly broke the deadlock when Hayes keeper Simon Overland found himself out of position after doing well to close down Stefan Bailey on the edge of his box. Peter Holmes picked up the loose ball but Marwa was well placed to intercept his shot on goal.

The first goal finally came after 36 minutes as James Mulley robbed Leon Crooks before charging to the byeline where he was able to pick out Watkins at the far post.

Despite a slow start to the second half, there were a flurry of goals with Basham adding to his side's lead after 65 and 70 minutes.

Esmond James found Basham with a fantastic cross that the striker headed goalward. Cronin kept the ball out but he was powerless to stop the rebound. Basham was on hand again five minutes later to power home his second after Mulley had set him up at the far post.

Ebbsfleet responded with a few good chances of their own as substitute Scott Ginty found himself through on goal only to be denied by a well timed Tom Cadmore tackle before Vieira tested Overland with a fierce drive.

Overland was beaten moments later though as substitute Clint Easton found Vieira in the box with time and space to place his shot in the back of the net.

The home side responded immediately though and some good interplay resulted in Basham laying the ball off to James, who smashed a shot past Cronin.

With the game in stoppage time Ginty controlled a long ball forward from Darius Charles before slotting the ball past Overland.

Hayes & Yeading bookings: None.

Ebbsfleet United bookings: None.

Att: 369.

Ref: M Bristow.