Marcel Simpson and Ryan Howell both returned to the starting line – with Scott Cross and James Husband on the bench.

After having the bulk of possession for the first half hour, it was Hayes who went in front on 27 minutes when a fiercely struck shot from edge of the box went in off the post giving Richard Morris no chance. Our rivals at the top had no time to celebrate when on 30 minutes, Josh O'Grady's good work down the left found Ross Oulton who took the ball along the by line. From an acute angle, he smashed an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net.

Within minutes the Purple Army had turned it round completely when Adam Confue charged down a clearance in the box and the ball fell to Luke Keen who composed himself before firing home what turned to be the winner from 12 yards out.

Town went close to a third goal on several occasions and at the other end Liam Dolman and his defence kept a lively looking strike force at bay.

Hayes picked up six bookings on the night and had a player sent off in the final few minutes. Hayes will now face a £500 fine from the league for a match that was, by and large, a cleanly contested affair.

Hayes keeper booked in first half for bringing down Josh Blake outside area, some officials may have shown a red card! Hayes had a player sent off for two yellows, the first for a foul on Adam Confue and the second for abusive language to the referee.

A couple of substitutions in the second half ensured Daventry held on to record a fantastic victory which puts them four points clear of the chasing pack!

Royston Town are next up at home this Saturday before the short trip to Kettering Town on Easter Monday. Your support would be greatly appreciated by Darran and the boys.

Match Facts:
AFC Hayes 1 v Daventry Town 2
Thursday 17th April 2014
Competition: Southern League Central Division
Location: Farm Park, Hayes, Middlesex
Daventry: Richard Morris, Ollie Wilkinson, Tom James, Marcel Simpson, Liam Dolman (Capt), Adam Confue, Ryan Howell, Ross Oulton, Josh Blake (Scott Cross 76mins), Luke Keen, Josh O`Grady (James Husband 77mins)
Subs: not used – Ashley Deeney, Tommy Berwick, Mykel Beckley.
Goal scorers: Daventry: Ross Oulton 30mins, Luke Keen 37mins AFC Hayes: Jake Cass 27mins
Man of the Match: Ross Oulton
In the book: Daventry: None Hayes: Red and six yellows cards!
Attendance: 68

Jim Davis/Brian Porter
Sports Writers