AFC Wimbledon

E-mail Article Print this story

Terry Brown

Related Links

• Teams
• Hayes & Yeading

Hayes & Yeading v AFC Wimbledon

Hayes & Yeading will be looking to avenge the 5-0 thrashing they sustained at the hands of AFC Wimbledon when they host the Dons in the Blue Square Premier on Friday.

Despite the heavy defeat and mid-table position in the league, Hayes have been in fine form of late recording 10 points from their last four home games including a 4-2 Ebbsfleet United on Monday.

Wimbledon manager Terry Brown, whose side is struggling with a number of injuries, has urged his side not to become complacent after strolling past United as each game represents a new challenge.

He told the club's official website: "We are currently in somewhat of an injury crisis with several players unavailable for the forthcoming Hayes fixture. Having been at Hayes for several years and knowing the mentality within the club, this will be as hard a start to the New Year as we could possibly envisage.

"We had them watched on Monday, when they recorded a fine 4-2 win against Ebbsfleet. I have reminded our own playing staff that Hayes have only lost one out of their last six home league games and told them to discount our Boxing Day victory, as this particular young Hayes side will be out for revenge on the day."

Wimbledon will hope to welcome the return of Luis Cumbers, Ben Judge and Will Hendry, while Brown has recalled Luke Garrard from his loan with Boreham Wood FC.

Brown continued: "Mike Rayner is treating several players this morning, Thursday. When he has finished the situation will be clearer, but with another big game on Tuesday we felt we needed Luke back into the squad as soon as possible."

Hayes & Yeading striker Craig Watkins will be playing his last game for the club unless he can change the mind of Hayes manager Garry Haylock.

The 23-year-old's two-month deal at Church Road expires next week but it is on-loan Luton Town forward Steve Basham that is his main priority as the transfer window approaches.

He said: "My contract is up after the AFC Wimbledon match, that could be my last game and I will have to sit down with the gaffer at the end of this week and discuss it

"It was verging on embarrassing against Wimbledon, no one wants to get beat 5-0 and be 4-0 down by half-time.

"It was good that we had another match so soon after it and we restored some pride. But we know what we are going to be up against on Friday and we have to put it right.

"We will be up for it and they will have to be ready as they may just be on the wrong end of a backlash."