Hayes took three vital points and helped their goal difference with a big win in Somerset.

A solid defensive performance, a good goalkeeping performance and some expert finishing were the basis for this very important win.

It was Hayes, who started more positively and had the early momentum, although it was Weston’s Marvin Brown who had the first sight of goal in the 2nd minute when he fired just over from 20 yards, but apart from that it was all the visitors. Hayes had a series of early corners, which forced the hosts onto the backfoot. In the 12th minute we nearly made the pressure tell when a Jack Haverson header from a deep left sided corner beat keeper Northmore only to be headed off the line by home captain Matt Rose.

The Missioners were playing the better football and dominating possession and this paid off midway through the first half. Will Hendry fed Liam Feeney and his deep cross eluded the entire home defence perfectly picking out Danny Dyer at the far post and from 15 yards his powerful shot flew into the roof of the net.

Hayes continued to push forward looking to double their advantage and in the 37th minute they were able to do this, Hendry found Michael Bartley in the penalty area, although he couldn’t create a shot for himself, he kept the ball and went round his defender before squareing to the unmarked Dyer who from 2 yards had the easy task of tapping home. Dyer who hadn’t scored a league goal for the club before the game had now doubled his tally 12 minutes after scoring his first.

With the defence appearing in complete control of the Weston attack, it was surprising that a minute before the break they nearly found themselves back in the game. Adam Logie was adjudged to have obstructed Brown at the end of the box and Michael Whittington’s low free kick beat the Hayes wall only for Kevin Davies to turn it away and Jack Haverson hooked it clear to make sure.

Weston came out on the front foot for the second half and put their visitors under a period of pressure. Craig Loxton was instrumental in the early stages of the half for the hosts, his good pass early in the period put Brown through on goal but once again Davies was on top form as his dived bravely at his feet to block his effort, with the rebound falling to Gareth Hopkins and although Davies was well off his line he reacted quickly to get back to his feet before diving low and brilliantly stealing the ball off Hopkins toes as tried to round him.

With Logie marshalling his defense brilliantly Hayes held firm under pressure and began to look the more likely to score, Michael Bartley’s 59th minute header bringing a fine save from keeper Northmore. The game was effectively sealed with a moment of opportunism and skill. Hendry’s through pass for Stafforde Palmer was just too strong and Northmore beat him to the ball, his clearance however was picked up by Liam Feeney who from 30 yards out on the left flank lobbed the ball over the stranded keeper and into the vacant net. For Feeney it was his 6th goal in the last 6 games from midfield.

The lead was further increased 20 minutes from time Hendry fed Dyer down the right, he beat his man and hit a perfect cross for Stafforde Palmer which the young striker volleyed home from 10 yards out on his left foot for a contender for goal of the season.

Kevin Hill was now able to withdraw and rest Palmer and Feeney from the action and replace them with Kieran Knight and Rhys Price.

Weston continued to push forward in search of a consolation, Brown went close with an effort just over in the 80th minute, Craig Rand had a low shot well saved 2 minutes later but Davies best moment in goal came a minute later when after finally getting room to shoot past a persistent Logie, home sub Ryan Harley seemed to have unsighted Davies but his stunning fingertip save turned the low shot past the post.

Hayes added a fifth goal just 6 minutes from time when Hendry’s pass found sub Price and his low left wing cross found Knight who cleverly flicked home to complete a great night for Kevin Hill's men.

Report by Nick Griffith.