It was a similar story for British Airways Midweek as they were punished for simple mistakes against an arguably weakened Hayes Post, at a rainy Concorde Club on Wednesday afternoon.
Both Teams started relatively well in extremely difficult conditions but Hayes' passing and movement was evident early on, especially down their left flank. BA held tight though and 'T' and Steve Reddings in the middle of park started pulling a few strings themselves. The first clear BA opportunity came when Scott Reddings pounced on a rare Postal defensive error only to see his low shot held well by the keeper. BA did take the lead soon after; Hogan collecting the ball on the left and with a excellent direct run into the Hayes box, found Scott Reddings, his quick turn fooling the centre-back who's atrocious tackle was rightly punished, Steve Reddings confidently finishing the resulting penalty. This seemed to spur Hayes Post on and they were soon on level terms. A quick move finding the unmarked left winger break through the offside trap and place it past Knox, who's outstretched hand couldn't prevent the ball rolling over the line. Moments later, BA controversially found themselves behind. No question of the foul but how the Referee awarded it inside the box when he, himself was in the other half of the pitch, no-one could explain. The left-winger scoring his second from the spot. Two became three when again some poor marking allowed ex-BA boy Ammo to cheekily back-heel into the net after Knox had parried into his path.
Changes were made at halftime with Piggott replacing McDonald and Dilloway slotting into right back. This gave BA another dimension as they pushed, looking to get back into the game. Steve Reddings and Piggott getting a lot of the ball and causing a lot of problems, without really testing the keeper. Dilloway an inspiration down the right getting forward at every opportunity but the killer ball evaded BA and Hayes remained solid. Postal always appeared dangerous looking to counter attack but Rusher and Marchena were outstanding, reducing Hayes to half chances. BA's best chance came when a superb link up between the Reddings brothers, saw Steves shot pushed round the post for a corner. With the light and BA's chance of getting a result fading, it became obvious that Postal would gain all 3 points and the Referees whistle brought the game to a close.
BA trudged off the park as miserable as the weather. However, there was great character shown by BA in the second half but the damage had already been done. If only we could play with the confidence we show against 'lesser' teams, we would definately be having more of a say in the Midweek League. Immigration next week and its back to the drawing board for BA.
