Hayes 1 - 2 Purfleet

FLEET CLOSE GAP ON LEADERS

Unbeaten Purfleet kept the flag flying for the Essex clubs with a great away win at Hayes, the Thurrock side are now just 2 points behind leaders St Albans at the top of the table.

It was a neat and tidy performance with a mixture of resolute defending and swift attacking. The home side started the brighter and could have taken the lead but it all changed to Fleet's advantage when ball to Cliff Akurang, with his back to goal, cleverly lift the ball over his shoulder and into the far top corner to put Fleet ahead.

The best goal of the game came in the 29 minute, when Paul Linger, Lee Allen and Terry Bowes played some precise inter passing which resulted in Lee Allen crossing the ball for Terry Bowes to fire Fleet into a two goal lead. It looked for a time that Fleet could have scored with each attack.

Hayes did respond and Fleet keeper Alex O'Reilly made a great double save to deny the home side a goal as the half drew to an end.

Hayes were in determined mood at the start of the second half and although they enjoyed more possession they couldn't find a way past the Fleet defence, in which John Purdie was outstanding.

As the hour mark passed Hayes scored from a corner when somehow the ball found its way into the net. Rejuvenated by this they pressed hard for an equaliser but were lacking when it cam to finishing.

Substitute Steve Brown was denied by the cross bar after he was put clear through on goal only to see his powerfully struck 20 yard shot smash the underside of the crossbar with the rebound being cleared.

This victory now means that Fleet have won six from eight games with two draws and only three goals conceded, two from open play and one penalty.