Striker Stafforde Palmer rescued a point for Hayes in a match which probably should have been won against an experienced Uxbridge side.

In a match which the home side enjoyed plenty of possession, it was the away team who stunned everyone with a goal in the seventh minute. One right wing raid by Tom Thunder almost resulted in a goal for Harry Howell sliding in at the far post, but just a minute later, Darren Whittock was marauding down the same wing and setting up Martyn Fletcher who fired in firmly at the near post.

From that point on, goalkeeper Keita Karamoko was virtually a spectator, with just a late long range effort from Philip Granville, a couple of brave catches from high crosses and one corner to deal with, which set up a header for Uxbridge substitute Mark Sargeant.

In the mean time, Liam Grier tested Uxbridge keeper John Ashwood with a fierce drive after good work from Palmer, and Rhys Price side footed the rebound wide.

Grier set up Palmer for the next chance, but his long range drive was held by Ashwood. Mark Thompson also carved out a chance for Grier before half time, but again Ashwood was able to gather the shot in.

Price sent a speculative long shot curling just wide of the far post before it was he who set up Palmer for the equaliser, a firm shot along the ground into the far corner beyond Ashwood's reach.

Hayes were gathering momentum, but this was curtailed by Jerome Ingram's sending off for a reckless challenge on Howell.

New signing Will Hendry showed some neat touches as a second half substitute and it was his accurate chip which set up Palmer for a rasping drive which shot across the face of the goal.

An injury to Mr Ullan, the referee, caused a five minute delay and this again upset the flow of the match. Grier almost scored with thirteen minutes left, heading over Adam Cornell's flick on from a Price corner and Palmer's fiercely struck shot was parried by Ashwood to safety.

Palmer almost won it in injury time with some very neat footwork, but he dragged his shot just wide of the far post.

Report by Nick Bell.