DEFEATED Eastleigh boss Richard Hill did not begrudge Hayes & Yeading their 4-1 FA Trophy victory at the Silverlake Stadium on Saturday.

But while his view that Hayes are the best side in the Blue Square Bet South remains unchanged, he also believes they were lucky to keep 11 men on the park.

The Spitfires had hit back from 2-0 down to 2-1 when centre-back Tom Jordan fell foul of a bad challenge by Mark Bentley on the stroke of half-time.

Bentley escaped with a yellow card while Jordan had to be helped off the pitch with a badly cut leg which required eight stitches.

“It was a naughty challenge and, by the Hayes manager’s own admission, their fella should have been sent off,” said Hill.

“But that doesn’t take away from the fact that we didn’t play particularly well and we didn’t compete as well as we have done in recent games.

“I didn’t think we deserved to concede a fourth goal, but take nothing away from Hayes, they are a very good side and I’ve got no qualms (about Hayes going through).

Full report and more non-league in today's Daily Echo