Hayes & Yeading are unbeaten in the league at their new SkyEx Community Stadium this year and manager Paul Hughes is hoping that’s a positive omen ahead of hosting Chesham United in the Buildbase FA Trophy.
A run in the competition could prove a much-needed boost for the club as they settle into their new home after a third qualifying round exit in the FA Cup.
On Saturday Hughes’ men welcome Southern League Premier Division side Chesham with the boss well aware of what an extended cup journey could mean for the club.
“We have not lost at home (in the league) this season which is a good and we are very happy at home. It’s great for the club to have its own identity rather than a nomadic one,” he said.
“We are hoping the fans turn out because there’s a big stand which needs people to fill it but we have a hardcore support and they are very loud.
“We have moved into a new ground with a lovely pitch, it’s a lovely place to play football but the insides have to be completed which is ongoing and a bit of money would help.
“The ground is still having bits done to it and going into the second, third or fourth rounds in this competition is a lot of money.”
Hughes was at Kings Langley before making the move to his current role in November 2016 and knows United striker Lewis Toomey well from his time there.
He is also well aware of the talents of former Hayes & Yeading centre back Darren Locke who will return to his former club at the weekend.
“It’s obviously a difficult game I know some of their players quite well,” added Hughes.
“I know Lewis (Toomey) and Darren (Locke) as they played for me at Kings Langley and here at Hayes, they’ll keep the ball very well.
“Lewis has started scoring goals too – he is what they were looking for and that makes them very dangerous.
“It’s a huge trophy and it’s a great opportunity for us to play one of the big non-league clubs and to get the win would be nice.”
Buildbase FA Trophy history
Chesham United’s best FA Trophy performance came back in 1998-99 when they reached the fourth round before being beaten by Hendon 2-0.
Meanwhile Hayes & Yeading’s best run saw them reach the second round in 2008-09 season but their journey was ended by AFC Telford United.
Did you know?
Chesham United met Yeading, prior to their merger with Hayes, in that 1998-99 FA Trophy run. They drew 3-3 in their second round tie before winning 4-0 at home in the replay.
The prize
The winner of Saturday’s tie will earn £3,250 and a place in the second round qualifying.
