Andy Munns
Once again, Brian Dutton’s side left it late to grab a winner that keeps them at the top of the league.
Wayne Robinson scored a home debut goal in the game’s dying embers as Salisbury grabbed their second last-gasp winner in two games.
Noah Coppin had given Salisbury an early lead, only for the away side to level through Faniyan midway through the first half.
There is something about this Salisbury side this season: a team that doesn’t stop working for each other and keeps playing to the end. It’s now back-to-back games the Whites have put supporters through the wringer.
The game started with the teams on an even footing, but Salisbury broke the deadlock after 10 minutes.
A good Charlie Gunson cross found Noah Coppin, who stooped and headed home at the far post to give Salisbury an early lead.
The away side didn’t lie down, though, and fought back. They hit the bar with a long-range effort from Omar Rowe a few minutes later before levelling.
Samuel Faniyan broke the Salisbury offside trap after a ball forward from inside the Yeading half. He rounded Josh Gould and coolly levelled the scores on 21 minutes.
The sides were level at halftime, a fair reflection of the game at that point, with the away side hitting the bar again (Steve Ngunga) and Salisbury going close through Sam Ashton at the end of the half.
Hayes & Yeading started the second half the brighter with a series of corners and pressure on the Salisbury goal, but they were unable to take advantage and Salisbury’s defence held firm.
As the half progressed, Salisbury started to push for the winner. The away side repelled everything thrown at them, including a last-ditch block on the line in the last minute of normal time when Josh Hedges looked to grab the winner.
The winner finally came in the sixth minute of added time, and it was a scruffy affair.
The ball bounced around the box, with two efforts on goal being blocked, before the ball dropped in the six-yard box and Wayne Robinson’s half-volley bulged the top of the net in front of the home supporters, sending the crowd wild.
Brian Dutton told the club website, “It’s becoming a habit, these late goals. They’re really, really sweet when you get them.
“Credit to the lads for once again showing desire and willingness to go through the pain barrier to try and find the win. They are a special group who are never happy or content with a point.”
There is a buzz about Salisbury at the moment, with 807 in attendance at the Ray Mac. Brian Dutton’s side will hope to keep the momentum going as they travel to Poole Town on Tuesday evening.
