Hayes & Yeading United 2 Beaconsfield Town 2 - Southern League, Premier Division South
Hayes is a town in West London,
historically situated within the county of Middlesex and now part of the London
Borough of Hillingdon. Hayes was developed in the late 19th and 20th
centuries as an industrial locality to which residential districts were later
added in order to house factory workers. Yeading is a settlement in West
London, forming part of the London Borough of Hillingdon, having been developed
after the Second World War. Yeading Dock was one of many docks built along the
Grand Union Canal. The main industry in the area was brick making and the canal
provided a reliable mode of transportation. After the Second World War, a large
prefab estate was erected in Yeading.
Hayes
FC was formed in 1909 originally as Botwell Mission. This was the small mission
church where the players changed and stored their kit. In 1931 Hayes lost the
FA Amateur Cup Final to Wycombe Wanderers at Arsenal Stadium in front of a
31,000 crowd. After winning the Isthmian League in 1996, the club was promoted
to Conference National. During a six-year spell, the highest finish was third
place in 1999. Yeading FC was formed in 1960, remaining in junior and
intermediate football until the 1980s before being granted senior status,
joining the London Spartan League in 1984. Subsequently the club was promoted
to the Isthmian League 1n 1987. In 1990 the club won the FA Vase. Hayes FC and
Yeading FC merged in 2007 to become Hayes & Yeading United FC.
Prior to the merger I had visited the grounds of
Hayes (Church Road) and Yeading (Beaconsfield Road, latterly known as The
Warren) in 1990 and 1985 respectively. Therefore, this long overdue visit to
the SkyEx Community Stadium provided an element of symmetry and completion. My
journey from Cheshunt, via Seven Sisters, Highbury & Islington, Gunnersbury
and Ealing Broadway, enabled me to reach Hayes & Harlington.
From the railway station, it takes around 25
minutes to walk to the ground. Conveniently, the plotted route took me past The
Botwell Inn (JD Wetherspoon). At this establishment. I enjoyed two contrasting
brews from Sambrooks. Powerhouse Porter (4.9%) and Wandle (3.8%), both in
excellent condition and I would suggest that the latter tastes a tad better
than the river it is named after. Our friend Matt Smithurst has helped to clear
rubbish from said river as a volunteer, so I may be wrong.
The remainder of the route to the ground was
mainly along country paths which was a pleasant change to the urban sprawl of
this part of West London. The highlight of the ground is the impressive covered
main stand, which offers an excellent view of the entire playing area. On a
warm sunny afternoon, the shade was most welcome.
There is a small sheltered area in front of the
stand for the use of less abled folk. The only other spectator accommodation is
a covered terrace behind one of the goals. However, this section was out of
bounds for this match. The remainder of the ground is open to the elements. This
venue is still a work in progress and further development is planned.
The neutrals present enjoyed this match, the home
support and officials less so I suspect. There was frustration following a red
card in the first period. There was even greater frustration following
Beaconsfield Town’s second half leveller. My journey home involved an
interchange at Shepherd’s Bush and was relatively straightforward.
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