BEACONSFIELD Town failed in their attempts to build on a recent win at Blackfield & Langley after a 3-2 defeat against Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday, writes Rob Stevens.

The loss means the Rams are now seven home matches without a win in the BetVictor Southern Premier South, bottom of the league table and five points from safety.

The Christmas spirit was in evidence at Holloways Park for the annual charity toys collection. The attendance swelled and each supporter through the turnstile exchanged the usual admission price for a gift donation to brighten up the holidays for young patients in the Children’s Ward at Wexham Park Hospital.

Beaconsfield broke the deadlock inside 14 minutes when Louis Stead picked his spot and drilled a low shot in off the post with Hayes & Yeading keeper Jack Smith clutching at fresh air.

The visitors equalised after the break as a corner kick was partially cleared to Elliott Buchanan on the edge of the box and he struck the ball through a crowd of players to give the unsighted Myles Bowman no chance.

The Rams keeper had no chance again five minutes later when an even better strike put the away ahead. The home defence cleared a cross but the ball fell to James Clark who fired a volley into the top corner.

The crowd were treated to one of the better goals they will this season on the hour mark but, sadly from the home perspective, it was a third for Hayes & Yeading. Buchanan drove inside before shaping a shot into the top corner with real pace from 25-yards.

Beaconsfield pulled a goal back when Stead and Charlie Losasso combined to free debutant, substitute James Ewington, who cruised past the defence and guided a low effort across the advancing Smith into the bottom corner in the 65th minute.

The Rams huffed and puffed in the closing stages but could not find an equalising goal. There was however enough hints of good things to come in the battle against relegation.

Beaconsfield return to action with a must-win visit to Holloways Park from second-bottom Dorchester Town on Saturday 4th January (3pm).

Chesham United saw their match against Swindon Supermarine postponed after the pitch at The Meadow failed a pitch inspection at 10am last Saturday.

The Generals are now four points behind leaders Tiverton Town but with a game in hand and travel to Walton Casuals on Boxing Day (3pm), before a visit from Hendon on New Year’s Day (3pm).

In the BetVictor South Central Division, Chalfont St Peter head to Northwood on Boxing Day (1pm), before hosting rivals Marlow this Saturday (3pm).

Marlow saw their match against Bracknell Town postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Oak Tree Road last weekend.