Hayes & Yeading

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Reece Styche

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Hayes & Yeading 2-3 Forest Green

Forest Green picked up a priceless victory as they defeated Hayes & Yeading 3-2 on Tuesday to move two points clear of the relegation zone.

Steve Basham opened the scoring for the home side after 12 minutes before Tomi Ameobi leveled 10 minutes later.

Teenager signing Reece Styche then made his mark on his debut soon after his introduction in the 50th minute before Basham equalised again with just four minutes to play, to seemingly claim a draw.

Styche though had other ideas as he netted with three minutes to go to take home all three points and become a instant hero amongst the Forest faithful.

Rovers had started the match poorly and goalkeeper David Wilkinson, in only his third start for the club, had to be at his best to contend with a near-post drive from Dale Binns. Hayes' Ram Marwa tried his luck a minute later, but again Wilkinson was equal to the effort.

Tom Cadmore then went close as his shot hit the top of the crossbar and it wasn't long before Basham found the back of the net with a header as he connected with Dale Binns' cross.

Hayes continued to attack with James Mulley testing Wilkinson but it was Rovers and Ameobi, who were next on the scoresheet as he finished off Paul Stonehouse's long-range free-kick, against the run of play.

The goal motivated the away side, who were close to taking the lead had Simon Overland not pulled off a fantastic save with five minutes of the first half remaining.

Styche's arrival in the 46th minute was the turning point, however as he turned home Jonathan Smith's lay-off to put his side in the lead.

Hayes though continued to threaten and Scott Fitzgerald's hit the post before Wilkinson expertly kept out the follow-up from Marwa but Basham proved his credentials with his second goal as he headed past Burton from Danny Allen-Page's well-hit centre.

And with the game seemingly heading for a draw, Platt broke forward before crossing for Styche, who made no mistake as he scored his 15th goal in his last 16 games.

Hayes & Yeading bookings: None

Forest Green bookings: Smith, Ameobi

Att: 291

Ref: R Whitton