PREVIEW: Hatters out to make Haye once more

The club, which was formed in 2007 after a merger between Hayes and Yeading, are playing their home games at Woking FC this season as their new ground is being built on the site of Yeading’s old ground, The Warren.

Despite finishing a promising 16th in the Blue Square Bet Premier last season, manager Garry Haylock, who had previously managed Yeading, resigned from his position in May and Nas Bashir was swiftly appointed.

The side have had to cope with the departure of leading scorer Bradley Pritchard too, who was snapped up by League One side Charlton Athletic.

Bashir has set about bringing a mixture of youth and experience to his newlook squad with the likes of former Gillingham captain Mark Bentley, and ex-QPR striker Richard Pacquette, along with one time Shrewsbury striker Nathan Elder.

Meanwile, graduate of the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain, Harrison Bayley has also arrived, as has former Bath City midfielder Hector Mackie, while Wycombe Wanderers have been raided for on-loan duo Matt McClure and Steve Arnold.

An opening day win over Alfreton Town has proved a false dawn though with Hayes suffering three defeats from their last four games.

Team news: Town have doubts over midfielder Alex Lawless after he went off during half time in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Braintree Town.

Defender Dan Gleeson also missed the clash but is back in light training, while Freddie Murray and Shane Blackett continue their recuperation. George Pilkington and Charlie Henry remain sidelined.

For Hayes, on-loan striker Matt McClure recently dislocated his anke, so isn’t expected to feature.

In charge: Nas Bashir – The 41-year-old former Reading player and coach was appointed at the start of the season. As well as his stint with the Royals, Bashir has also coached at Wycombe and England U21s.

One to watch: Richard Pacquette – 28-year-old Dominican international has played for a whole host of clubs during his career, including QPR and MK Dons, before scoring 10 goals for Eastbourne last season. Snapped up by Hayes at the beginning of the campaign and has alreayd proved a good acquisition, notching twice.

Familiar faces: Nathan Elder – striker never played a competitive game for Hatters, but spent time on trial at Kenilworth Road during pre-season. Netted once in the 3-2 defeat to Gabala before the former Brighton, Brentford and Shrewsbury Town forward joined Hayes, but is still yet to score for his new side.

We’ve met before: Hatters have never tasted defeat at Hayes & Yeading, winning both their previous encounters as last season, a late Claude Gnakpa strike was enough for Town to enjoy a 1-0 victory.

Hatters: Mark Tyler, Dan Gleeson, George Pilkington, Zdenek Kroca, Jake Howells, Claude Gnakpa, Keith Keane, Andy Drury, Amari Morgan-Smith, Matthew Barnes-Homer (Alex Lawless 85), Danny Crow (Jason Walker 73).

William Hill Odds: Luton win 3/4, Hayes win 16/5, Draw 11/4