CARETAKER manager Steve Hayes praised his Warrington Town team after they came from 2-0 down to secure a point at high-flying Rushall Olympic.
The reserves boss was only placed in temporary charge on Monday, following the departure of Stuart Mellish and Lee Smith over the weekend.
With a growing injury list, the job was made even more difficult by traffic problems on the M6 which caused the Yellows’ late arrival, and a delay to kick-off, while midfielder Simon Lenighan only arrived in time to feature in the second half.
Hayes said: “Believe it or not, I only came back from Hong Kong at 1pm on Monday and by half two I was in Toby’s office and told that I’m taking the team.
“It’s been tough, it’s been quick and I think with all the injuries as well as what happened on Saturday, to come away with a point after being 2-0 down to a team that’s second in the league is fantastic.”
Michael Grogan’s 90th minute equaliser completed the comeback after substitute Connor Speed, a star of Hayes’ reserve side, had given the Yellows a lifeline that their second half endeavours had deserved.
At 2-0 up, it looked like Rushall would take advantage of a postponement at Buxton and lift themselves to the top of the league table, but a half-time turnaround denied them.
Hayes added: “I just told them we needed to have a bit of quality in the final third. I like to play football and not hoof it, and I just said get it down and we can play.
“I’ve just tried to help them out and point them in the right direction and they’ve done it, every single of them.
“The attitude was tremendous and we’ve all pulled together and got something we deserved.”
With the club still fielding applications for the vacant manager’s job, Hayes could be left with a dilemma on Saturday – with the first team set to take on Halesowen Town at the same time his reserve side plays St Helens at home.
Hayes said: “I don’t know yet (if he will be in charge on Saturday). I’m taking training on Thursday and that’s as far as we’ve gone with it.
“It’s an honour to be asked and Warrington Town’s got a special place in my heart, and I thanked Toby for the opportunity and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“The reserves have got a game on Saturday but if I get the nod and I’m asked to do it I’ll give 100% like we’ve given tonight.”
