Jack Midson scored in the first half and missed a penalty in the second as Oxford United made it through to the second round of the FA Trophy.
It was a decent performance at the Kassam Stadium from a much-changed United team.
But the fans will wonder why they keep on missing penalties. James Constable has missed two this season, and now both Matt Green and Midson have failed from 12 yards.
Midson headed the U's in front in the 26th minute and sub Sam Deering won the spot kick sevn minutes from time when he was brought down by keeper Simon Overland.
But Midson's hopes of bagging a double disappeared as he shot against the rigtht post from the spot.
There were six changes to Oxford's line-up from the team that started at Barrow in the FA Cup, with Billy Turley and Rhys Day getting rare opportunities and Franny Green and Onome Sodje, cup-tied in midweek, coming into the side.
Gree operated in midfield while Sodje was deployed on the left wing, and by hugging the touchline a lot he gave the home side good width, and an outlet at useful times.
Left back Kevin Sandwith delivered some testing left-wing crosses in the first few minutes when Adam Murray's clever passing also stood out.
It was from Murray's chip over the Hayes defence that Alfie Potter almost scored. Visiting captain Tom Cadmore thought the ball was going to spin out, but Potter reached it and with great close control, kept it in at the bye-line before darting towards goal only to see his shot saved.
From the corner that followed, Sodje's downward header was going in, but Danny Allen-Page cleared it off the line.
Matt Ruby produced an excllent block as Midson shaped to shoot, and when Potter cut menacingly in from the right, his left-foot shot deflected past the keeper's right post.
With their ability to control the play by keeping possession so well, United were well in charge, but they needed a goal.
It came from a fine cross by Simon Clist, from the left bye-line, and Midson showed good determination in making it hios and heading the ball home from five yards.
A couple of times Turley's kicking wasn't great, and he made one flmaboyant venture out to the right touchline which was probably not greatly appreciated by his defenders, although fortunately the ball had run out of play.
But he made one important save by his right post.
Hayes & Yeading's part-timers showed good enterprise at times, and they were well organised.
On-loan Luton and former U's striker Steve Basham gave them a bit of craft and experience up front, and in Dale Binns they had a quick left-winger.
After good skill by James Mulley, turning Day and then feeding Binns for a shot, it needed a fine block by Adam Chapman to keep Oxford ahead.
Potter went close to getting a second goal at the start of the second half and a good block by Cadmore denied Franny Green, as he drove the ball hard.
But Hayes had openings too. Adam Green shot wide, and Basham struck a powerful shot after a sharp turn, Turley getting right behind it.
Potter held onto the ball too long and lost possession, and from the break upfield, Hayes nearly levelled, with Mulley firing into the side-netting.
Oxford Utd: Turley, Chapman, Day, Foster, Sandwith, F Green, Murray, Clist, Sodje (M Green 64), Midson, Potter (Deering 80). Subs not used: Clarke, Perry, Cook.
Referee: Stuart Burt (Northants).
Att: 1,663 (140 from Hayes).
Booked: Clist, Murray
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