LEAGUE SEASON 1999 - 00
FAC = F.A. Cup, FAT = F.A.Trophy, MPC = Manchester Premier Cup, CSC = Cheshire Senior Cup, ULC = Unibond League Cup, UPC = Unibond Presidents Cup, UNI =Unibond League, qr = Qualifying Round, gs = Group Stage, qf =Quarter Final sf =Semi Final
22-01-00 HYDE UNITED 2 GATESHEAD 0 UFCQ4 Att. 314
The Tigers won through to the Semi-Finals of the Unifilla Cup with an unconvincing win against Gateshead. The game was largely uninteresting and attracted one of the lowest crowds of the season at Ewen Fields. Simon Yeo got away from The Gateshead defence but his first touch was poor and Adrian Swan came out to block his shot. Scott Brenchley then went close as he rose to head Walker's corner just past the post. Gateshead had one real chance in the first half when Bennett was forced to save in a one on one. Jody Banim almost scored for Hyde but his half-volley went way over the top. McConnell crossed from the right in the second half but Yeo was stretching and his effort never troubled Swan. Gateshead should have opened the scoring soon after, following a corner a cross came in from the right giving them a free header inside the six yard box but Bennett held onto the ball on the goal line. Yeo crossed from the left for Hyde and Banim guided his header just the wrong side of the post with Swan beaten. From a McConnell throw on 72 minutes, Banim weaved into the area, Peter Band shot but Swan blocked and Simon Yeo slotted home the rebound to put the Tigers ahead. Yeo then got away down the right and tried to cut inside but was blocked, Scott Brenchley picked up the loose ball and fired in a deflected shot which Swan did well to palm away for the corner. Gateshead were not out of the game yet though and only a goal line clearance from John Foster maintained the advantage for Hyde. Graham Bennett then made an excellent tip onto the crossbar as Gateshead looked for a way back into the game. The Tigers wrapped up the win in the ninetieth minute, following a corner
Griffiths' shot was headed onto the bar by Banim and Peter Band bundled the ball past gobsmacked Swan.
Team: Bennett, Foster, Esdaille, Wilson, Brenchley, Band, McConnell, Hall,
Yeo, Banim, Walker Subs: Griffiths forYeo, Aspinall, Edgington.
Man of the Match: Neil Hall.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
17-01-00 HYDE UNITED 2 HEDNESFORD 0 FAT3 Replay Att. 518
The Tigers gave an excellent first half display against what can only be described as a poor Hednesford side. Banim played Hall in on the right before getting onto the end of his cross but firing wide. Hednesford won a corner after a low shot from the right was deflected past the post, but nothing came from the set-piece. Some neat and tidy passing led to Jody Banim turning a defender and firing a low shot which Stewart did well to stop. The Tigers took the lead on 20 minutes when Paul Robertson curled in a corner and Stuart Walker rose to head home. Simon Yeo then got away from the defence and forced an excellent save from Stewart who was runningbackwards at the time. A through ball by Foster was met by Banim but he shot over under pressure from the onrushing Stewart. Foster himself then went close with a rasping 25 yard effort which just cleared the crossbar. Billy Stewart again came to The Pitmen's rescue as he leapt to keep out Robertson's chip after a mazy 30 yard dribble. Robertson then showed his defensive abilities as he headed Ged
Kimmins' drive from off the goal line as Hednesford tried to get back in the game. Just before the break Banim closed down a defender, made the tackle and forced Stewart to parry his shot onto the post and behind. Early in the second period, Banim played in Yeo but the striker shot over with his right foot. Saturday's hero Paul Taylor then hooked away a great cross from the left as Hednesford tried to find a way past The Tigers. Jody Banim kept up his lively evening by taking on a defender and firing a shot at goal which Stewart managed to stop with his legs. Next up was Simon
Yeo, he burst down the left, cut inside and shot but again Stewart produced another superb stop. Neil Hall put Hyde under pressure with a poor backpass but Paul Taylor made a miraculous tackle as Kimmins looked clear through. In almost a carbon copy of his last chance, Yeo again broke down the left after good play by Walker, he ran half the length of the pitch but again Stewart made a save. From the resulting corner, Tobin played the ball to the near post and Jody Banim outjumped everyone to seal the game in the 81st minute. Davies then headed straight at Bennett and Ged Kimmins almost grabbed a consolation but Hyde ran out deserved winners and will now face Runcorn at home in round four.
Team: Bennett, Foster, Robertson, Wilson, P Taylor, Band, Tobin, Hall,
Yeo,Banim, Walker. Subs: McConnell, Esdaille, Edgington.
Man of the Match - Jody Banim, outstanding performance by the little guy, full of running and deserved his goal. Would have had 4 goals at least if it were not for Billy Stewart's impressive display in goal for
Hednesford.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
15-01-00 HEDNESFORD 1 HYDE UNITED 1 FAT3 Att. 710
The Tigers, playing for the first time at The Pitmen's new Keys Park
ground started well and almost scored on 15 minutes, Rob Hulse
heading down a corner but a defender cleared off the goal line.
Hulse the burst away from his marker but Hednesford keeper Billy
Stewart raced out to intercept. Next it was Simon Yeo who got away,
he went down the right, cut inside and fired in a low shot which
Stewart parried round his near post. Hednesford were restricted to
long range attempts although ex-Tiger Ged Kimmins and fellow striker
Davies were looking the liveliest of the Town players. Peter Band
was the next Hyde player to go close, his eighteen yard effort was
deflected just past the post. The best chance of the first half was
arguably a long diagonal ball played by Robertson which was met with
a diving header from Hulse but he was unable to hit the target.
Hednesford upped the pace early on in the second half, Kimmins
deflected shot looped up and fortunately into Bennetts arms when it
could have gone anywhere. Kimmins then gave the Hyde fans a glimpse
of the old days when he lost his marker on the halfway line, ran
with the ball and unleashed a powerful 25 yard shot which Bennett
could only watch as it crashed against the crossbar. Rhodes then
went close for the conference side with a shot from the edge of the
area which concerned Bennett before fizzing wide. Brendan Aspinall
rose to head a Tobin corner but Billy Stewart was able to make an
easy catch. A corner at the other end saw Chris Brindley connect
with his head but Bennett was content as the ball came straight at
him. Paul Taylor made an excellent saving tackle as Davies broke
free on the edge of the penalty area. A through pass by Banim set
Hulse away but he failed to hit the target with just Stewart to
beat. Paul Robertson was the next player to test Stewart with a
powerful shot from twenty yards but the goalkeeper collected on his
line. Robertson got away down the left, squared for Tobin who
stepped over and Hulse smashed his shot over from the edge of the
box. A mistake at the back by Foster led to Goodman advancing down
the right, his cross was dangerous but Gus Wilson managed to force
the ball behind. Hednesford took the lead on 88 minutes, a cross
from the right was clinically headed past Bennett by Neil Davies and
it seemed as though the Tigers were heading back home with nothing
to show for their gritty performance. Hyde battled back well in the
closing few minutes and were rewarded when Paul Taylor controlled a
Robertson cross on 91 minutes and slammed a right foot shot past
Stewart and in off the post to give The Tigers a well deserved
replay.
Team:- Bennett, Wilson, Foster, Aspinall, P Taylor, Band, Tobin,
Hall, Yeo, Hulse, Robertson. subs: Banim for Yeo, McConnell, Walker,
Edgington, Esdaille for Aspinall.
Man of the match - Paul Taylor - Tough choice as no-one really stood
out but no-one played badly, it goes to Tayls for his great last
ditch tackle and his injury time thunderbolt. Special mention for
the traveling army we took with us, roared us on to a great result
and out sung the home fans.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
08-01-00 LEIGH RMI 0 HYDE UNITED 0 UNIBOND Att. 427
Early on it was Hyde who had the better chances, first Neil Hall
crossed from the right but Peter Band's header went straight into
Felgate's arms. Jody Banim then tested Felgate from 25 yards but
didn't get any power behind his shot. Top of the table Leigh then
should have done better with two crosses, bad marking left Black on
his own but he was stretching on both occasions. Just before the
break, Simon Yeo burst away from the last defender but with just
Felgate to beat he shot wide of the target. The Tigers got lucky in
the second half when inside the six yard box, Paul Taylor made a
flying block tackle to stop a certain goal. Matthews then went close
for Leigh with a bending 20 yard shot which almost curled in. Jody
Banim broke away from the defence following a mistake but with just
Felgate to beat he also shot wide. Darren McConnell was the next
player to test Felgate but his 18 yard volley went straight at the
big goalkeeper. The game was pretty poor with Leigh having most of
the possession but with Hyde having two 1 on 1 situations, they
should have taken all the points.
Team: Bennett, Wilson, Foster, Aspinall, P Taylor, Band, Tobin,
Hall, Yeo, Banim, Robertson. Subs: Walker for Yeo, McConnell for
Band, Esdaille.
Man of the match: Paul Taylor - again superb at the heart of the
defence.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
03-01-00 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 3 HYDE UNITED 1 UNIBOND Att. 1728
Celtic won an early corner which was flicked on by Johnston and
Mason headed into the arms of Bennett. Steve Tobin played the ball
wide to Banim as Hyde attacked, his cross found Robertson but he
sliced wide of the target. Again it was Banim provided a cross from
the right but this time Paul Taylor headed wide. A long ball from
Celtic released Sullivan but his low shot was turned behind by
Bennett. Rob Hulse toyed with Scott before firing a shot across goal
which Banim almost connected with but it flew wide. Hyde attacked
straight from the off in the second half, indeed it was 13 seconds
when Hulse powerfully shot over. On 49 minutes Sullivan was denied
the opener when the linesman flagged him offside as he tapped home
from six yards. The Tigers took the lead on 51 minutes after hitting
the post following a corner Jody Banim scrambled the ball home.
Celtic came back and Steele squared from the left but Ward screwed
his shot wide. Hulse then beat Scott for pace and shot under Ingham
but his effort was ruled out due to a foul. Celtic equalised on 70
minutes from the penalty spot, Gary Bauress converting following a
handball on the edge of the box. Hulse made a tricky run beating two
players but shot just wide of the upright. Taylor also went close
with a dipping 35 yard effort just over the top. A slip by Aspinall
let in Sullivan but Bennett saved, from the resulting corner, in the
91st minute Eddie Johnston bundled in from six yards to put Celtic
ahead. In the 97th minute Winfield Steele broke away, rounded
Bennett and stroked home to give Celtic a 3-1 cushion.
Team: Bennett, Wilson, Robertson, Aspinall, P Taylor, Band, Tobin,
Hall, Banim, Hulse, Esdaille.Subs: Walker for Robertson, McConnell
for Tobin, Foster for Esdaille.
Man of the Match: Paul Taylor - battled hard as did most of the Hyde
team but it wasn't to be.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
27-12-99 HYDE UNITED 1 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 0 UNIBOND Att. 1772
The Tigers won the last derby game of the millennium with a deserved
victory over a Celtic side which had good possession but never
created a good chance. Indeed, Celtic's best effort of the match
came inside the first minute when they won a corner which was headed
just wide. Simon Yeo then outpaced Andy Scott at the other end of
the pitch but Celtic keeper Gary Ingham pounced at his feet to save.
On 14 minutes Ingham could do nothing as Peter Band played through
Neil Hall to score his first goal for the club in his 71st game for
the club. Soon after it was Rob Hulse that got clear but his
powerful drive was excellently tipped round the post by Ingham. Hyde
continued to get behind the Celtic defence and Yeo clipped a shot
over the top from wide on the left before debutant Paul Robertson
rattled the crossbar with a superb free kick from the edge of the
box. On the stroke of Half-time Robertson swung in a cross which
Band glanced just past the near post. The second half was held up
for a long time when Celtic's Jones sustained a serious leg injury
whilst clearing the ball and was subsequently stretchered off. Hulse
and Yeo combined for Hyde but Yeo's curling shot drifted past the
far post with Ingham beaten. Midfields dominated most of the second
half but Celtic could not break down the Hyde defence led superbly
by Gus Wilson. Indeed it was only in injury time that Celtic created
any further efforts when Pickford shot over from a free kick and
they forced a couple of corners which were defended adequately by
Hyde. After 14 minutes and 20 seconds of injury time the Tigers had
won their last game this century.
Team: Bennett, Wilson, Robertson, Aspinall, P Taylor, Band, Tobin,
Hall, Yeo, Hulse, Esdaille. Subs: Banim for Robertson, Brenchley,
McConnell. Man of the Match:
Gus Wilson - Made captain today and led by example. Tackling was
excellent as was his leadership. Special mention to Neil Hall, lets
hope it won't take another 71 games!!!! (but
what a game to get your first!!!)
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
04-12-99 HYDE UNITED 2 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC 3 UNIBOND Att. 303
It was the Yorkshire side that had the first chance of the game when
they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which was
lashed just wide of the post. Critchley went close when his rising
shot flew just over from twenty yards. A corner gave Hyde the next
chance and Paul Taylor's looping header had to be tipped over by
O'Connor, the next corner saw Stuart Walker have a shot cleared off
the line. Neil Hall broke free down the right but chose to pull the
ball back when he should really have tried his luck and the chance
was gone. Hayward tested Bennett early in the second half but the
keeper lept to save his goalbound effort. Scott Collins put Frickley
ahead on 58 minutes when he slid in at the back post and beat
Bennett. Two minutes later a cross from Walker was met by Jody Banim
who headed homefrom eight yards to equalise. Andy Hayward put
Frickley back in front on 69 minutes with a shot which was deflected
past unlucky Bennett. Simon Yeo made the scoreline 2-2 on 81 minutes
when his delicate touch, after Taylors chip, rolled into the goal.
Frickley won the game a minute later when John foster headed past
his own goalkeeper after a cross from the right. Paul Taylor went
close on 89 minutes with a glancing header wide of the post andjust
to complete his miserable day Foster was then sent-off for his
second booking.
Team: Bennett, Foster, K Taylor, Wilson, P Taylor, Tobin, Critchley,
Hall, Yeo, Banim, Walker. Subs: Band for Critchley, Aspinall, M
Taylor.
Man of the Match:- Stuart Walker. *** I'm away for the next 3matches
and Chris Hilton should be filling this space whilst I'm gone, may I
wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I'll be back for the Stalybridge
match on the 27th (with a nice tan!!!)***
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
29-11-99 HYDE UNITED 0 RUNCORN 0 UNIBOND Att. 535
The Tigers gave a debut to goalkeeper John Mohan and he soon proved
his worth saving a stinging 18 yard drive from Ruffer after a poor
clearance from a corner. Neil Critchley went close for Hyde as his
inswinging free kick eluded everyone and bounced back off the post
but generally the game was played in midfield with neither side
dominating affairs. Hyde should have taken the lead early in the
second half when Yeo's crossfield pass was knocked into the box by
Banim and Rob Hulse volleyed over from six yards. Runcorn twice
broke away but the first effort was well wide with just Mohan to
beat and the second attempt was well blocked by the big keeper.
Banim blasted Yeo's cross high and wide before the Tigers were
denied a last minute penalty when Hulse seemed to be tripped from
behind.
Team: Mohan, Foster, K Taylor, Wilson, P Taylor, Band, Critchley,
Hall, Yeo, Hulse, Walker. Subs: Tobin, Banim for Walker, M Taylor.
Man of the Match: GusWilson - solid & dependable as ever (good
choice Adrian!!!)
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
27-11-99 HYDE UNITED 6 WHITLEY BAY 0 FAT2 Att. 398
Simon Yeo opened the scoring on 22 minutes when he tapped home from
3 yards after Stuart Walker chased a lost cause and then crossed.
Walker was then unlucky as he struck the crossbar with an overhead
kick from seven yards before Simon Yeo struck again on 36 minutes, A
free kick rebounded off Peter Band and Simon Yeo pounced to grab his
second. On 40 minutes a corner was trapped by Paul Taylor who then
laid the ball for Yeo to grab his hat-trick. Simon Yeo struck his
fourth on 43 minutes from a tight angle on the right, helped by the
defender on the line. The second forty five minutes was a non-event
but on 80 minutes Simon Yeo lobbed the goalkeeper from 20 yards to
join Paul Kirkham, Phil Chadwick and Colin Little as joint record
goalscorers with five in a match for Hyde. Not content with this on
83 minutes Yeo sent the ball across for Jody Banim to slam home the
Tigers sixth.
Team: Bennett, M Taylor, K Taylor, Wilson, P Taylor, Band, Critchley,
Hall, Yeo, Hulse, Walker. Subs: Foster for M Taylor, Tobin for Band,
Banim for Walker.
Man of the Match: Simon Yeo - what a surprise!!!. Good to see him
score after a lean spell recently & what a way to end it!!
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
20-11-99 LEEK TOWN 2 HYDE UNITED 0 UNIBOND Att. 408
Jody Banim cut inside from the left but was tackled, the ball fell
to Simon Yeo but his 10 yard shot was blocked by the Town defence.
Paul Kielly was allowed space and took full advantage to put Leek
ahead on 22 minutes. Paul Kielly scored direct from a free kick on
37 minutes to give Leek a two goal cushion. Tobin's burst into the
box almost produced a goal but Yeo shot over from eight yards. Lloyd
Richardson had a header cleared off the line after he flicked on
Tobin's corner and Banim hit a shot straight at Statham in the
closing moments.
Team: Bennett, Foster, M Taylor, Aspinall, Wilson, Band, Tobin,
Critchley, Yeo, Banim, Walker. Subs: Richardson for Walker,
Griffiths for Band, Brenchley.
Man of the Match: Stuart Walker - Gave us options on the left but
no-one played well.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
15-11-99 HYDE UNITED 1 CREWE ALEXANDRA 3 CSC2 Att. 366
Hyde were outclassed tonight but gave a performance of potential and
could be pleased with themselves. Peter Smith broke away for Crewe
on 29 minutes and calmly slotted past Paul Taylor to put the
visitors ahead. Hyde went close with a Simon Yeo volley which
flashed past the post from eighteen yards. Jody Banim was also close
with a twenty yard free-kick going the wrong side of the upright. In
the second half, a surging run from Kojoe Taylor got Banim involved
and his curling shot was beaten away by Welsby in the Crewe goal.
Peter Band was the next Hyde player to go close as he hit the side
netting from Banim's cross. Peter Smith showed quick feet in the
penalty area on 60 minutes to extend Crewe's lead but Jody Banim
found his range from 20 yards on 78 minutes to pull one back for
Hyde. All that was left was for our brilliant Centre Half Paul
Taylor( deputising for our injured keeper Graham Bennett) to make a
point blank save from Crewe's substitute before Peter Smith wrapped
things up three minutes from time with his hat-trick.
Team: Paul Taylor, Matty Taylor, Kojoe Taylor, Brendan Aspinall, Gus
Wilson, Peter band, Steve Tobin, Neil Hall, Simon Yeo, Jody Banim,
Stuart Walker. Subs: Richardson for Tobin, Griffiths for Walker,
Brenchley for Yeo.
man of the match: Jody Banim - very lively but he should pass more
often.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
12-11-99 HYDE UNITED 4 LANCASTER CITY 1 UNIBOND Att. 465
Simon Yeo had the Tigers first chance of the night when he hooked
the ball over his head and wide after a free kick. Band won the ball
in the centre of the pitch, drove forward and crossed for Walker to
volley across the face of goal and wide. Soon afterwards, Walker
broke free on the left but Thornley got down well to save. Simon Yeo
cut inside from the left but again Thornley was able to smother the
shot. Hyde lost goalkeeper Kurt Edgington with damaged ribs and Paul
Taylor took over the gloves. The first thing Taylor had to do was
pick the ball out of the net as on 33 minutes Lancaster broke away,
Taylor came out and blocked the first effort but Kevin Barnes was
able to poke home the rebound. Rob Hulse went close just before
half-time when he rose to met Kojoe Taylor's cross and saw his
glancing header fly across goal and wide. On 56 minutes Hyde were
level, Yeo played the ball to Walker on the left, he hit the perfect
cross and Rob Hulse powered his header past Thornley. The Hyde
pressure continued as Steve Tobin's 20 yard shot was pushed away by
Thornley but Lancaster could have restored their advantage when
Kenny Mayers with time & space pulled his shot across goal with
only Taylor to beat. Hyde went 2-1 ahead on 82 minutes when Walker
fed Rob Hulse on the left, he cut inside two defenders and let fly
with a shot that landed just inside the far post, a truly great
goal. Hyde got their third on 87 minutes when a 30 yard Stuart
Walker free kick which was meant as a cross eluded everyone and went
in at the far post although I believe the goal has since been
credited to Rob Hulse who almost got to it but didn't!!. Hyde sealed
another victory in the last minute when Steve Tobin's corner was
powered home by Brendan Aspinall
Team: Kurt Edgington, Gus Wilson, Kojoe Taylor, Brendan Aspinall,
Paul Taylor, Peter Band, Steve Tobin, Neil Hall, Simon Yeo, Rob
Hulse, Stuart Walker. Subs: Lloyd Richardson, Jody Banim, Matty
Taylor for Edgington. Man of the Match:- Rob Hulse - whether it was
2 or 3 he got his finishing was top quality. Well done also to
Stuart Walker for some great crossing & Paul Taylor for taking
over in goals, not for the first time!!
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
08-11-99 HYDE UNITED 1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 3 ULC 2nd group stage Att.
305
Mark Cerealo shot Accrington into a ninth minute lead in this
pointless cup game. He beat the Hyde defence with his run and shot
past Bennett and in off the post. Accrington had a goal ruled out
for a foul on Bennett before Peter Band equalised on 15 minutes, Yeo
chipped the ball in from the left and the big man headed past Speare
in the Stanley goal. Stanley went 2-1 up on 27 minutes when Cerealo
slotted his second from close range after a right wing cross. Hulse
then went close for the Tigers but he shot wide after Richardson
cross played him in. A Walker ball from the left found Richardson in
acres of space but he somehow shot over with just Speare to beat.
John Coleman struck a post for Accrington early in the second half
before Cerealo completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes when he slotted
in after a mix up between Aspinall and Bennett. A goalmouth scramble
saw Band's volley saved by Speare and Griffiths shoot just over from
the edge of the penalty area. Accrington almost made it four in the
last minute but Bennett made a great stop, tipping a 30 yard effort
onto the crossbar.
Team: Bennett, Foster, K Taylor, Aspinall, Wilson, Band, Richardson,
Hall, Yeo, Hulse, Walker. Subs: Griffiths for Walker, Banim for
Richardson, P Taylor for Foster.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
02-11-99 BAMBER BRIDGE 2 HYDE UNITED 0 ULC 2nd group stage Att. 237
Hyde started brightly when Richardson's cross was met on the volley
by Banim but the little man's effort hit the wrong side of the
stanchion. Banim again had an opportunity when he turned in the box
but his chip just floated over the top. Bamber Bridge took the lead
on 12 minutes when Dave Carroll got down the left and slotted into
the far corner. A run down the left by Griffiths and a one-two with
Banim led to the ex Halifax man being clean through but Dootson
blocked his effort in the goals. Carroll again got down the left for
Bamber Bridge but this time Bennett easily saved at his near post.
Bamber Bridge extended their lead in the 54th minute when Ian
Vickers got free in the box and lashed home the second. A mix up in
the Bamber Bridge penalty area saw Hyde go close as efforts from Yeo
& Band were blocked but Brenchley's shot forced a great save
from Dootson at point blank range. The next chance was when Gus
Wilson gathered the ball 30 yards out and struck a thunderbolt which
clipped the inside of the post but stayed out. Bamber almost scored
a third when a cross from the left was headed down past Bennett but
Scott Brenchley cleared off the goaline.
Team: Bennett, Foster, Lonergan, Aspinall, Wilson, Band, Richardson,
Hall, Yeo, Banim, Griffiths. Subs Walker for Banim, Brenchley for
Richardson, P Taylor. Man of the match: Willie Griffiths - His full
debut and it was promising, his pace was a constant threat and he
was unlucky when faced with two one on one situations, He has
potential & can only get better.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
30-10-99 BLYTH SPARTANS 3 HYDE UNITED 4 UNIBOND Att. 412
Blyth stunned The Tigers by going 3-0 up inside eleven minutes at
Croft park today. An error by Band on 7 minutes followed by
confusion in the Hyde defence led to Blower slotting the first past
the helpless Bennett. The second goal came on ten minutes, Foster
lost the ball in the Blyth half and the home side broke away with
Stewart forcing a save from Bennett but no-one could stop Gustavo Di
Lella from tapping home the rebound. Stewart then scored a great
goal thirty seconds later when he shot over Bennett from the edge of
the box. The strong wind behind The Spartans was helping the home
team and they almost scored a fourth when Di Lella pulled the ball
wide after getting through. Hyde scored with their first shot on 42
minutes when Steve Tobin lashed home a shot into the top corner from
25 yards. It could have been 3-2 at half time but Terry Burke made a
terrific save from Neil Hall's curling shot just before the
interval. Rob Hulse headed a wind assisted free kick past Burke and
into the far corner on 57 minutes to bring Hyde back into the game
and on 71 minutes Yeo laid the ball to Hall whose cross was taken by
Griffiths and knocked in on the line by Rob Hulse to level the
scores. Griffiths who had his best game for The Tigers made Burke
save at his near post following a good little run. The Tigers stole
all three points on 80 minutes when Steve Tobin rolled the ball past
Burke and Rob Hulse closed down the defender to complete his
hat-trick although everyone in the ground, Hyde fans included,
thought that the on loan striker had knocked the ball in with his
hands. Blyth had one last chance before the end when a curling
effort bounced off the crossbar and over. The game ended with an
unsavory incident when some Hyde players got involved with Di Lella
and a number of Blyth's supporters also spilled onto the pitch to
get involved as well.
Team: Bennett, Foster, Lonergan, Aspinall, Wilson, Band, Tobin,
Hall, Yeo, Hulse, Walker. Subs: Banim, M Taylor, Griffiths for
Walker.
Man of the Match:- Rob Hulse - Ok he got 3 goals but when things
were looking grim at 0-3 this guys was running, chasing &
hassling opponents to try and start a comeback.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
25-10-99 HYDE UNITED 1 BARROW 0 UNIBOND Att. 460
The Tigers made hard work of this victory against a Barrow side full
of energy. Jody Banim went on one his runs on nine minutes before
testing Horridge in the Barrow goal with a stinging drive which was
pushed for a corner. Kojoe Taylor "scored" from the corner
but he had actually punched the ball and it was disallowed. Stuart
Walker hit a speculative shot from the edge of the box that Horridge
let slip between his legs and according to those level, over the
goal line although neither the referee or his assistant signaled a
goal. Barrow's only real chance of the half arrived from a corner
kick which drifted wide of the back post. Simon Yeo beat Horridge to
the ball but the goalkeeper lept to his feet to save his shot in
style and Yeo was again unlucky when he hit the post after Hall had
played him through. Banim went close early in the second half with a
dipping shot just over the top and Horridge again foiled Yeo with a
good save. The Tigers scored the winner on 58 minutes after a
scramble Tobin hit a shot which was deflected into the path of
Stuart Walker who slid the ball home underneath Horridge's attempted
block. Peter Band went on a long run and fed Walker whose curling
shot from eighteen yards was excellently tipped over by Horridge in
full flight. For all Hyde's chances the game was still very tight
and Barrow went close when a left wing cross was headed over from
ten yards. The last chance of the game also fell to Barrow in the
sixth minute of stoppage time they won a corner which Graham Bennett
did well to block on the six yard line.
Team: Bennett, Foster, Kojoe Taylor,Lonergan, Wilson, Band, Tobin,
Hall, Yeo, Banim, Walker. Subs: Cox, Brenchley, Griffiths (all not
used).
Man of the Match: Gus Wilson - Played solidly at the back
restricting Barrow's forwards. Stuart Walker also had a great game.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
23-10-99 HYDE UNITED 2 EMLEY 3 UNIBOND Att. 552
Simon Yeo had a great chance to score in the first minute as he
burst through the defence but Rhodes saved his shot using his feet.
Poor defending by Gus Wilson saw Emley go close with a dipping shot
from twelve yards but it just cleared the crossbar. A cross from the
left by Yeo saw Peter Band head the ball down but Hulse couldn't
connect as the ball sped past him and wide. Emley took the lead on
18 minutes when a deep corner was headed back across goal and Miles
Thorpe lashed home from close range. The game became a midfield
battle until a minute from half time when Yeo made a run down the
right and pulled the ball back for Rob Hulse to equalise.
First Half injury time saw Yeo provide another cross but Peter Band
on the stretch could only manage to hit the post. Emley went 2-1
ahead on 56 minutes when Miles Thorpe headed home a corner. Hyde
were awarded a penalty on 58 minutes and with regular taker Paul
Taylor still injured it was left for Simon Yeo to have a go. Rhodes
anticipated his kick though and dived to his right to push the ball
for a corner. Tobin's corner kick was excellent and Rob Hulse rose
highest to power an equaliser. Emley won the game on 75 minutes when
Darren Day chipped Bennett following some more bad set piece
defending from Hyde although Jody Banim did strike the crossbar in
the final minute of the game.
Team: Bennett, Foster, K Taylor, Lonergan,Wilson, Band, Tobin, N
Hall, Yeo, Hulse, Walker Subs: Banim for Foster, Brenchley,
Griffiths for Walker.
Man of the Match: Rob Hulse - Scored two good goals, If he carries
on like this Crewe will recall him!!!
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
16-10-99 HYDE UNITED 5 BLYTH SPARTANS 2 UNIBOND Att. 412
Hyde started the game with a new player, Rob Hulse who has signed on
loan from Crewe Alexandra. Simon Yeo had the first attempt of the
game when he drilled a shot from the edge of the penalty area past
the post. A long throw from Kojoe Taylor on 15 minutes was then
flicked on by Hulse into path of Simon Yeo who lashed home on the
volley. Blyth equalised on 17 minutes when Glen Robson shot home
after some poor defending. The Tigers regained the advantage on 22
minutes after a cleared free kick was headed back in by Walker and
Simon Yeo was there to grab his second of the game. Blyth almost
levelled again when a free kick was swung in and headed towards the
bottom corner but Graham Bennett leapt across his goal to produce a
fine save. Steve Tobin played in Stewart Walker whose shot was saved
well by Burke, his job was made more difficult as he was falling
backwards at the time. A poor backpass was pounced upon by Simon Yeo
on 44 minutes and the league's top goalscorer went round Burke to
take his season's tally to 17. Kojoe Taylor needed Bennett to help
him just after the break as his mistake gave Robson a clear run at
goal, Bennett obliged his teammate as his blocked the strikers
effort. Hyde got their fourth on 49 minutes when Scott Brenchley
headed home Walker's free kick. The lead increased again on 69
minutes after some good work by Walker got Yeo away down the left,
his centre was low and Rob Hulse scored a well deserved goal. To
Blyth's credit they didn't fold and actually had the better of the
last twenty minutes with Bennett making a couple more good saves
before Glen Robson scored a second for Blyth on 77 minutes after the
Hyde defence was well and truly beaten by the strikers run.
Team: GrahamBennett, Kojoe Taylor, Matty Taylor, Brendan Aspinall,
Gus Wilson, Peter Band, Steve Tobin, Neil Hall, Simon Yeo, Rob Hulse,
Stewart Walker. Subs: Jody Banim, Scott Brenchley for Aspinall,
Willy Griffith for Walker.
Man of the Match:- Simon Yeo, What can you say after his fourth hat
trick inside a year?
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
09-10-99 HYDE UNITED 0 WORKSOP TOWN 0 UNIBOND Att. 580
Hyde thought they had scored in the first ten minutes but Yeo's
header from Tobin's cross was disallowed for offside. Worksop had a
great chance to open the scoring on 15 minutes a cross from the
right was met by Stafford and Graham Bennett did well to stop, never
mind hold on to his header. The assistant referees were working
overtime as both defences played the offside game but Banim tried to
foil that when his twisting run got him behind the defence but his
shot went across goal and wide. The second half saw both sides try a
little harder to break the deadlock, Yeo's mazy dribble from the
right produced a shot straight at the keeper and then Banim hit a
drive from twenty yards just over. The chance of the game fell to
the usually clinical Simon Yeo who found himself in acres of space
with just the keeper to beat but shot straight at him. Worksop went
close with a rising drive and then after some poor defending they
shot wide from six yards to sum up the game.
Team: Bennett, K Taylor, M Taylor, Aspinall, Wilson, Band, Tobin,
Hall, Yeo, Banim, Walker. Subs: Haw for Walker, Brenchley, Cox for M
Taylor.
Man of the match: Simon Yeo - not at his best today.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
05-10-99 FLIXTON 1 HYDE UNITED 2 ULCgroups Att. 96
The Tigers should now progress into the second stage of the league
cup after a dull affair at Valley Road. The Tigers dominated the
possession without really making any clear cut chances. Kojoe Taylor
pumped a free kick into the penalty area on 55 minutes and the ball
fell to Simon Yeo who smashed home on the volley. A goalkeeping
error on 70 minutes left Simon Yeo with a simple tap in before
Flixton cut the advantage to one when they scored on 85 minutes.
Hyde then had an injury scare when Yeo was stretchered off after a
nasty looking tackle by the Flixton goalkeeper, when contact was
made there was a cracking sound but it has since been confirmed that
Simon has not broken his leg.
Team: Bennett, K Taylor, M Taylor, Foster, Wilson, Band, Richardson,
Hall, Yeo, Haw, Walker. Subs: Brenchley for Richardson, Banim for
Haw, Cox for Band.
Man of the match: Simon Yeo - Both he and Steve Haw did well, Simon
scored both goals.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
02-10-99 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC 3 HYDE
UNITED 1 UNIBOND Att. 145
Hyde lost their unbeaten league record at Westfield Lane although
they dominated the second half. New signing Walker crossed for Band
but he connected badly on the volley with just the keeper to beat. A
long ball forward drew out Bennett but the Hyde goalie was second to
the ball and was lucky to see Frickley only hit the post. Frickley
then had a number of corners and while the Hyde defence looked a
little shaky, they coped adequately. Simon Yeo chested down a long
ball into Banim's path, his shot was blocked but then fell back to
Yeo who blasted over from twelve yards. Frickley went ahead on 35
minutes when a loose ball found the centre forward in the six yard
box and he promptly fired home. Aspinall should have scored for Hyde
on 47 minutes but he shot over from 4 yards in a scramble. A Steve
Tobin corner was headed goalwards by Yeo but pushed out by the
keeper, this led to a goalmouth scramble with Frickley clearing off
the line. On 61 minutes a cross from the left wasn't dealt with and
the unmarked centre forward knocked home his second. Steve Haw was
unlucky when his header was pushed onto the crossbar following a
Tobin cross. Frickley beat Hyde's offside trap on 81 minutes and
their centre forward claimed his hat-trick by beating Bennett. Hyde
scored a consolation in the 87th minute when Walker latched onto a
pass and slotted in. Steve Haw thought he had scored a minute later
but the linesman had his flag raised.
Team: Graham Bennett, Kojoe Taylor, Matty Taylor, Brendan Aspinall,
Gus Wilson, Peter Band, Lloyd Richardson, Neil Hall, Simon Yeo, Jody
Banim, Stuart Walker. Subs: McConnell for Banim, Haw for M Taylor,
Tobin for Richardson:
Man of the Match: Steve Tobin - Had a decent half on his return to
the club, gave a good display in terms of performance & effort.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
28-09-99 NANTWICH TOWN 3 HYDE UNITED 4
after extra time.CSC1 Att. 91
Hyde drew first blood at Jackson Avenue on 28 minutes when Banim's
shot was parried by the goalkeeper Simon Yeo was on hand to tuck
away the rebound. Nantwich drew level on 33 minutes and took the
lead on 46 minutes when a great through ball was tucked away by the
centre forward. Hyde had a few chances go begging, McConnell, Banim,
Haw and Brenchley all going close but it wasn't until 83 minutes
that they drew level. A cross from the left was flicked on by Haw
and Jody Banim curled a half volley round the goalkeeper and into
the far corner. Extra time saw Nantwich retake the lead on 101
minutes and for all Hyde's possession it looked as though they were
going out. This was not to be the case as on 115 minutes Simon Yeo
got round the back and lashed home his 12th of the season. Hyde then
won the game after Hall's cross on 118 minutes was turned in by Jody
Banim.
Team: 1 Graham Bennett, 2 Kojoe Taylor, 3 George Switzer, 4 Brendan
Aspinall, 5 Gus Wilson, 6 Scott Brenchley, 7 Matty Taylor, 8 Neil
Hall 9 Simon Yeo, 10 Jody Banim, 11 Tony Rodwell. 12 Darren
McConnell for Aspinall, 14 Steve Haw for Rodwell, 15 Lloyd
Richardson for Brenchley.
Man of the match: MATTY TAYLOR - The crowd were impressed by him
enough to come up with " OOH AAH MATTY TAYLOR". Could this
lead to follow up song for Kojoe & Paul?
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
26-09-99 HYDE UNITED 1 MARINE 1 UNIBOND Att. 552
Marine shot wide from the left early on but really should have
scored in this top of the table clash. A mistake at the back by
Marine saw Simon Yeo pounce and steer home his tenth goal of the
season to put Hyde ahead on 11 minutes. Peter Band had a header
saved by Clarke after a cross from Aspinall. Marine equalised on 35
minutes when John Morgan latched onto Townsend's cross to fire past
Graham Bennett. Jody Banim took on a defender and fired in a near
post shot but Clarke managed to beat the ball away. The second half
started with Gus Wilson feeding Yeo who cut in from the right but
Clarke saved his shot. Clarke again came to Marine's rescue as he
tipped Banim's free kick round the post. Mark Howard chased a long
ball and Yeo fired over after Howards header fell to him. Marine
went close when a corner was flicked on at the front post but no
connection was made as the ball fizzed across the goalmouth. In the
last minute Jody Banim whipped in a free kick but Clarke again saved
to earn Marine a point.
Team: 1 Graham Bennett, 2 Kojoe Taylor, 3 George Switzer, 4 Brendan
Aspinall, 5 Gus Wilson, 6 Peter Band, 7 Matty Taylor, 8 Neil Hall, 9
Simon Yeo 10 Jody Banim 11 Mark Howard. Subs: 12 Tony Rodwell, 14.
Scott Brenchley for Band, 15 Chris Dolby: Man of the match:
Brendan Aspinall - Another solid game at the back, Will Paul Taylor
get back into the team????
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
22-09-99 CROOK TOWN 2 HYDE UNITED 1 FAC2 Replay Att. 240
The kick off was put back to 8:30pm as Hyde arrived late due to
traffic and the Tigers got off to a bad start. After 5 minutes
Prince Moncrieffe was sent off for spitting at an opponent, this put
Hyde on the back foot for most of the game. Crook should have gone
ahead when a cross from the left was met by a free header but it
went wide. Chris Dolby had Hyde's first shot after 27 minutes, good
work by McConnell gave him the chance but he shot straight at the
goalkeeper. A corner from Crook was the next danger, as the ball was
whipped in the centre half hooked the ball past the post. Hyde
started the second half well with substitute Jody Banim making the
keeper save with his legs and from the following corner Kojoe Taylor
had a shot cleared off the line. Graham Bennett failed to connect
with a backpass and then bundled over the centre forward to give
Crook a penalty which they duly converted to take the lead. Peter
Band's shot was just wide of the post after the goalkeeper had
fumbled but Crook went 2-0 ahead when a corner was headed in at the
near post. Simon Yeo played in Banim whose shot came back off the
post, Banim collected the ball and gave Matty Taylor an easy
sidefoot goal to give the Tigers some hope. The last few minutes saw
Matty Taylor break down the right and cross for George Switzer but
he shot straight at the goalkeeper when he should have scored. Crook
almost sealed their win in the dying seconds but Bennett made a good
save to a free kick round the post.
Team: 1 Graham Bennett, 2 Kojoe Taylor, 3 George Switzer, 4 Brendan
Aspinall, 5 Gus Wilson, 6 Peter Band, 7 Darren McConnell, 8 Neil
Hall, 9 Simon Yeo, 10 Prince Moncrieffe, 11 Chris Dolby. Subs: Jody
Banim for Dolby, Scott Brenchley, Tony Rodwell for McConnell, Mark
Howard, Matty
Taylor for Band.
Man of the Match: Brendan Aspinall - Gave a steady display & was
gutted to lose.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
18-09-99 HYDE UNITED 1 CROOK TOWN 1 FAC Att. 411
Crook supporters arrived at Ewen Fields stating that they would be
disappointed to lose, surprising considering the gap between the
teams but they would make the trip back to Durham in good heart.
Simon Yeo hit a post after just two minutes and Prince Moncrieffe
shot wide from 20 yards. Hyde went infront on 11 minutes from the
penalty spot, Paul Taylor calmly slotted home after a handball. The
strong wind then forced Bennett to tip behind a corner kick after it
dipped wickedly. Simon Yeo's snapshot was held by Riches in the
Crook goal at his near post and Mark Howard had a good chance but
shot straight at the keeper. The second half saw Moncrieffe go close
when after some good work he shot over the Peter Band headed Yea's
cross over the top. A very poor backpass by Kojoe Taylor was met by
a forward but he shot over when he should have scored. Neil Hall's
free kick landed straight in the keepers hands and from his long
clearance, Paul Taylor let Jonny Bell get past him and he lobbed the
ball over the advancing Bennett to equalise on 70 minutes. Jody
Banim livened things up with a couple of good runs but Crook
deserved another chance and now they have it on Wednesday night.
Team: 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Gus Wilson, 3. Kojoe Taylor, 4. Brendan
Aspinall, 5. Paul Taylor, 6. Peter Band, 7. Tony Rodwell, 8. Neil
Hall, 9. Simon Yeo, 10. Prince Moncrieffe, 11. Mark Howard. Subs:
12. Jody Banim for Howard, 14. Scott Brenchley, 15. Darren McConnell
for Rodwell.
Man of the Match: Peter Band - 100% as always for effort but was his
contribution the best?
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
13-09-99 HYDE UNITED 2 TRAFFORD 2 ULCgroups Att. 372
The league cup kicked off with Aspinall heading a cross goalwards
but O'Donnell saved well down to his right.Trafford got into the
game more as the half progressed but they were restricted to three
long range efforts, each of which was off target. Gus Wilson made a
surging run from the back before laying the ball to Howard, the
cross was met by Wilson who forced a great save from O'Donnell but
Simon Yeo was on hand to tap home the rebound on 45 minutes.
Trafford equalised on 47 minutes from the penalty spot, Bennett
pulled down Murray and Garry Vaughan dispatched the spot kick. It
wasn't long until Hyde went back in front, Mark Howard beat a
defender and his cross was headed in by Simon Yeo on 52 minutes. Yeo
almost completed his hattrick when Banim played him through but
O'Donnell spread himself at Yeo's feet to make a good save. A
defensive mix up led to Trafford coming level again on 59 minutes,
Paul Taylor's backpass putting Bennett under pressure and all the
Hyde keeper could do was kick against David Lowe who gleefully
watched the ball roll into the empty goal. Bennett looked nervous a
few minutes later when he fumbled a free kick but recovered to grasp
at the second attempt. Hyde's last real chance was when Paul Taylor
headed over from Hall's free kick. There were further efforts from
Band and Brenchley but these didn't greatly trouble O'Donnell.
Team: 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Gus Wilson, 3. Kojoe Taylor, 4. Brendan
Aspinall, 5. Paul Taylor, 6. Peter Band, 7. Mark Howard, 8. Neil
Hall, 9. Simon Yeo, 10. Jody Banim, 11. Ally Pickering. Subs: 12.
Darren Lonergan, 14. Scott Brenchley for Banim, 15. Darren McConnell
for Howard.
Man of the Match: Mark Howard - Quickly becoming a crowd favourite,
provided the crosses for both goals.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
11-09-99 HYDE UNITED 2 GUISELEY 0 UNIBOND Att. 414
Guiseley started as the better side as Hyde's changed team struggled
to settle. A rasping shot from the edge of the box flew just past
the upright although Bennett seemed quite happy to let it go. Agana
& Parke combined well but the final shot ended up wide of the
target. Guiseley should have taken the lead from a corner when Parke
won a header on the six yard box but Bennett leapt well to tip over
his effort. Against the run of play Hyde took the lead on 32
minutes, New signing Ally Pickering played a through ball which
Prince Moncrieffe ran onto and lashed a shot into the top corner. It
was Guiseley again who had the best chance before half time as
Parke's dipping shot whistled over the crossbar with many fans
thinking he had scored. The second half saw a change in the pattern
of the game with Hyde doing most of the pressing although a scramble
in the Hyde goalmouth saw Mark Howard make a valuable clearance off
the line. Simon Yeo forced the Guiseley centre-half into a mistake
on 64 minutes before he steadied himself and shot past Stancliffe to
make it 2-0. Stancliffe then made an excellent save when he tipped
Pickerings 40 yard cross/shot round the post. Hyde now started to
create more and more, Peter Band headed over a cross from Pickering
and a corner produced a couple of chances, Aspinall had a shot
blocked and the ball fell to Band who's shot was saved and then
cleared from underneath the crossbar. Pickering, who had a steady
debut, shot over from twelve yards as did Banim who was put through
by Yeo & Band. Hazel had a chance for Guiseley but shot wide in
a one on one with Bennett.
Team: 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Darren Lonergan, 3. Kojoe Taylor, 4.
Brendan Aspinall, 5. Gus Wilson, 6. Peter Band, 7. Mark Howard, 8.
Neil Hall, 9. Simon Yeo, 10. Prince Moncrieffe, 11. Ally Pickering.
Subs: 12. Jody Banim for Moncrieffe, 14. Darren McConnell, 15. Scott
Brenchley. Man Of The
Match: Simon Yeo - 7 from 7 can't be bad.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
07-09-99 HUCKNALL TOWN 0 HYDE UNITED 1
UNIBOND Att. 319
The opening twenty minutes saw both sides force corners without
really threatening either goal at the dimly lit Watnall
Road.Hucknall went near to scoring when a right wing cross was
stabbed wide at the far post. Long range efforts were then the order
of the day with Graham Bennett tipping over the crossbar and Banim
& Brenchley off target for the Tigers. Banim had a great effort
flash past the post when he hit the ball with the outside of his
foot whilst Graham Bennett made a world classdouble save, each time
at full stretch to keep the scores level. After the break a Neil
Hall corner was met by Band's head but the home keeper did well.
Hyde went infront on 55 minutes as Banim took on a defender and fed
Prince Moncrieffe who slotted the ball home from six yards.
Moncrieffe got round the back shortly after but this time he squared
for Band who shot wide with just the keeper to beat. A 25 yard free
kick from Banim was the next effort but although fierce, it was
always drifting wide. Hucknall's best chance of the half was from a
long free kick which was headed just over the crossbar. Again
Moncrieffe got round the back of the defence, this time he pulled
the ball back for Scott Brenchley but his shot was saved by the
goalkeepers feet. In the dying seconds Banim should have wrapped
things up but after rounding the goalkeeper he amazingly shot wide!
Team: 1. Graham Bennett, 2. George Switzer, 3. Darren Lonergan, 4.
Brendan Aspinall, 5. Gus Wilson, 6. Lloyd Richardson, 7. Mark
Howard, 8. Peter Band, 9. Jody Banim, 10. Prince Moncrieffe, 11.
Scott Brenchley. Subs: 12. Mike Turner, 14. Kojoe Taylor, 15. Neil
hall for Richardson.
Man Of the Match: Graham Bennett - a tough call tonight as several
players did well but none were really outstanding, Bandy played well
in Midfield but Benno gets it for a truly great double save in the
first half.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
04-09-99 WHITBY TOWN 1 HYDE UNITED 1
UNIBOND Att. 369
A warm, sunny day in Whitby saw Hyde start well with Moncrieffe
breaking down the left before cutting inside and shooting at Hill in
the Town goal. This was mirrored by Whitby but Banks shot wide. A
long ball from midfield drew both Whitby's goalkeeper & centre
back and the ball fell to Banim whose improvised shot went wide.
Moncrieffe & Banim combined well throughout the game and it
showed when Moncrieffe flicked the ball back to Banim who shot just
over from 12 yards. Banim had arguably the best chance of the half
when he robbed the centre-back on the halfway line and ran towards
goal before producing a fine save from the home goalkeeper who did
well to stretch and tip his shot round the post. Banim went close
early in the second half with a blistering 25 yard free kick which
had just too much height. Whitby then tried to up the tempo with a
series of corners and a Pitman effort went just wide following a
well worked free kick. Whitby took the lead when George Switzer was
adjudged to have pushed a Town player and David Logan converted the
spot kick. Hyde came back soon after and a quick free-kick by Hall
gave Jody Banim the chance to take on two defenders and shoot into
the bottom left hand corner despite a valiant attempt by Hill in the
Town goal. Prince Moncrieffe had a chance but Hill came out best in
the one on one. A long ball by Logan released Banks who beat Graham
Bennett but Brendan Aspinall was back to clear in the six yard box.
Bennett soon made up for that by tipping over a stinging shot from a
Whitby substitute. Banim then became the hero for his defensive
skills, clearing a Logan free kick off the goal line. Injury time
saw Hyde almost snatch a win as Hill dropped a cross at the feet of
Turner whose shot was blocked, Moncrieffe picked up the rebound but
fired over from six yards.
Team. 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Kojoe Taylor, 3. George Switzer, 4.
Brendan Aspinall, 5. Gus Wilson, 6. Lloyd Richardson, 7. Mark
Howard, 8. Neil Hall, 9. Jody Banim, 10. Prince Moncrieffe, 11.
Scott Brenchley. Subs: Mike Turner for Richardson, Mark Hall, Darren
McConnell for Howard.
Man of the Match: Jody Banim - some people might not agree with this
but the little guy never gave up, had some great efforts on goal and
sealed a point with a brilliant goal.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
30-08-99 HYDE UNITED 2 DROYLSDEN 0
UNIBOND Att. 752
The first Tameside "derby" of the season was probably not
as fiery as most people expected. The first shot came on four
minutes when Neil Hall hit a rising shot from the edge of the box, I
say rising as it cleared the stand!! Hyde took the lead on 12
minutes when a strong Brenchley tackle won the ball in the centre of
the pitch, the big man then played a great pass for Simon Yeo to
slide the ball past Kinsella in The Bloods goal and take his
season's total to six. A couple of long range shots was all that
Droylsden could muster, first a 25 yard shot wide of the left hand
post and then a shot from a similar distance which was easy for
Bennett to deal with. At the other end Paul Taylor outjumped the
goalkeeper at a corner kick but his header clipped the post,
Droylsden didn't clear well and the ball fell to Yeo who forced a
great save from Kinsella. This was to be Yeo's last contribution as
he limped off injured. His replacement Jody Banim wasn't going to
let anyone down as he stole away from the Bloods back line and
rifled a 25 yarder into the top left hand corner of the goal on 35
minutes, his first goal for Hyde. The start of the second half saw
Droylsden pile on the pressure, a low cross from the left caused
problems at the back but Paul Taylor managed to clear. A free-kick
on the touchline was lofted in and Clowes got his header on target
but Bennett leapt across to save. A breakaway gave Prince Moncrieffe
a great chance to seal the win but Kinsella produced a fine diving
save to stop his angled shot. Droylsden then introduced Nigel Evans
who I must just mention. Nigel joined Hyde from Droylsden a few
seasons ago and the pacey striker broke his leg badly whilst taking
part in a pre-season game for the club. This is his first season
back in the semi-pro game after a long, hard battle for fitness and
on behalf of the club, I'd like to say that its good to see him
playing again when it was doubtful at one stage. Well done Nigel. It
was Evans' cross that Stannard headed just wide in one of The Bloods
better attacks. Hyde could now taste victory and Banim was unlucky
to see his shot bounce off both posts and out to safety. Hyde held
on through the final stages to take 3 points and go to the top of
the table.
Team: Graham Bennett, Kojoe Taylor, George Switzer, Brendan Aspinall,
Paul Taylor, Lloyd Richardson, Mark Howard, Neil Hall, Simon Yeo,
Prince Moncrieffe, Scott Brenchley. Subs: Gus Wilson, Jody Banim for
Yeo, Dave McConnell
Man of the Match: Paul Taylor - Solid & reliable all night,
didn't give the Droylsden forwards a kick for most of the game.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
28-08-99 HYDE UNITED 2 SPENNYMOOR
UNITED 1 UNIBOND Att. 401
In the first few minutes it was Prince Moncrieffe who had the best
chance for Hyde. The striker, making his first appearance of the
season was put clean through but fluffed his shot straight into
Campbell's hands. Spennymoor took the lead on 10 minutes when they
were allowed to shoot from 30 yards, the ball struck the post but
fell kindly for Craig Powel to tap home. Neil Hall flicked a ball
through to Yeo who blasted over when he should have done better.
Brenchley had a long range effort on goal which had the goalkeeper
flying through the air but the shot went just over the top. A quick
throw from Yeo played in Rodwell who delivered a super ball for
Scott Brenchley to glance a header into the far corner to equal
things up on 40 minutes. Brenchley went close just after half time
when he headed a Yeo cross wide. Spennymoor were almost gifted a
goal by some poor defending but Graham Bennett made a good block.
The ball fell to Paul Taylor who played in Simon Yeo who forced the
Spennymoor keeper to kick the ball against the striker who just
blasted into an empty goal from inches on 52 minutes. A couple of
Spennymoor corners worried the Hyde back line. Firstly, a good ball
in resulted in a scramble with Kojoe Taylor blocking a goal-bound
effort and secondly, the big center half connected with a cross but
his header went just past the post. George Switzer then gifted
Spennymoor a real chance when his header didn't reach Bennett and
Bowes got between the two, the striker was kicking himself though
when he pulled his shot wide. Steve Haw and Jody Banim came on as
subs and looked lively, keeping the visitors on the back foot until
the final whistle.
Team: 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Kojoe Taylor, 3. George Switzer, 4.
Brendan Aspinall, 5. Paul Taylor, 6. Lloyd Richardson, 7. Tony
Rodwell, 8. Neil Hall, 9. Simon Yeo, 10. Prince Moncrieffe, 11.
Scott Brenchley. Subs: 12. Gus Wilson for Brenchley, 14. Jody Banim
for Moncrieffe, 15. Steve Haw for Rodwell.
Man of the Match: TONY RODWELL - Played up to his usual high
standard and made a great cross for the first goal. Ok, he's getting
on a bit but his head is still right and he is intelligent enough to
use it over his running ability
(He'd still beat most in a race though!!)
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
24-08-99 WORKSOP TOWN 1 HYDE UNITED 1
UNIBOND Att. 434
Worksop went close early on when a cross/shot just drifted wide of
the far post. Peter Band had a close range effort blocked after some
good play down the Hyde left before Yeo broke clear of the defence
but pulled his shot wide from a difficult angle. Worksop's Stafford
had a shot cleared off the line and then they went close when an 18
yard shot flew past the post. Worksop took the lead on 25 minutes
when Field rose to head past Bennett following a well taken corner.
The Tigers came back strongly and Yeo burst through and chipped
Holmshaw in the Worksop goal only to see his effort bounce back off
the post. The second half saw Banim's stinging half volley stopped
by Peter Bands head and then Graham Bennett made a brave stop at the
feet of Whitehead. Banim again went near with a 12 yard shot but the
real Hyde pressure started when Wilson replaced Band and The Tigers
pushed Paul Taylor upfront. The big centre half almost scored with a
reaction volley but the shot went wide and he was sure there was a
handball in the box as were most of the Hyde spectators but nothing
was given. For the last 10 minutes Hyde pressurized the Worksop
defence with no real sign of any breakthrough until, in the 90th
minute, Brendan Aspinall powered home Neil Hall's corner to secure a
point for Hyde.
Team: 1. Bennett, 2. K Taylor, 3. Switzer, 4.Aspinall, 5. P Taylor,
6. Richardson, 7. Rodwell, 8. Hall, 9. Yeo, 10. Band, 11. Dolby.
Subs: Wilson for Band, Banim for Dolby, Brenchley for Rodwell.
Man of the Match: Paul Taylor - Not for his defending but when he
went upfront, he seemed to give Hyde more bite. This was one of
those games when no-one really stood out though.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
21-08-99 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY 1 HYDE
UNITED 1 UNIBOND Att. 408
The Tigers allowed Gainsborough to dictate play early on but a
series of long balls were well defended by the Hyde back line. Simon
Yeo went close when he brought down a cross from Neil Hall, turned
in the box and fired just wide. Graham Bennett then pulled of a
string of good saves, first he tipped over a stinging shot from
Fothergill, then a brave stop at the feet of Saville after he palmed
away a free-kick and then a great diving stop from a Saville volley.
Hyde broke away to take the lead on 41 minutes when Simon Yeo chased
through a long ball and struck past Curry in the Trinity goal. Just
before the interval Paul Taylor was floored by a punch but none of
the officials saw the incident and no action was taken. Early in the
second half, Bennett again did well to hold a freekick from his
namesake Troy Bennett and then on 56 minutes Paul Taylor was sent
off for using an elbow. Gus Wilson replaced Chris Dolby who was
unfortunate to be sacrificed as Mike McKenzie tried to shore up his
back four. On 65 minutes George Switzer was adjudged to have fouled
and Troy Bennett stroked home the resulting penalty. Peter Band then
went close with a looping header after Rodwell's cross. Hyde had two
further scares when Bennett just managed to tip a header onto the
crossbar and following a poor backpass, Kojoe Taylor made a great
saving tackle when a Trinity forward was one on one with the Hyde
goalie. The last chance of the game was down to an individual effort
by Jody Banim who beat two defenders inside the penalty area before
firing straight at Curry.
Team: 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Kojoe Taylor, 3. George Switzer, 4.
Brendan Aspinall, 5. Paul Taylor, 6. Lloyd Richardson, 7. Tony
Rodwell, 8. Neil Hall, 9. Simon Yeo, 10. Peter Band, 11. Chris
Dolby. Subs: 12. Gus Wilson for Dolby, 14. Jody Banim for Yeo, 15.
Scott Brenchley for Rodwell.
Man of the Match: Graham Bennett - Pulled off some great saves to
keep us in the game both before & after Taylor was dismissed.
Comment:- I wish I was allowed to talk about referees, but I'm not,
so.........
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
16-08-99 HYDE UNITED 2 WINSFORD UNITED
0 UNIBOND Att. 424
This was a game in which Hyde, in their new all red strip, never
really looked like losing. A cross from Rodwell was met by Yeo but
he didn't connect well and the ball trickled behind for a goalkick.
A Chris Dolby corner was the source of the next chance, Winsford
'keeper Bagnall punched the ball onto Yeo's head but the striker's
effort floated over the crossbar. Yeo missed his third chance when
he blasted over from twelve yards after Band had played him in.
Graham Bennett made a superb reflex save down low to his right after
a Winsford free kick was met with a header in the box. Hyde took the
lead on 26 minutes when Brendan Aspinall, making his home debut,
rose to power home Dolby's corner kick. Dolby himself then went
close with a scorching volley from just outside the penalty area
which must have brushed the outside of the post. Bagnall kept
Winsford in the game in the second half when Dolby's shot was about
to creep inside the post. Hyde doubled their lead on 73 minutes when
Kojoe Taylor played in Simon Yeo who drilled past Bagnall from 18
yards. Winsford tried to get back into the game with a succession of
corners but Hyde defended well each time and Bennett made an
excellent save following a long free kick and header. The last
action of the game saw Lloyd Richardson try his luck from 25 yards
but his curling, dipping shot crashed against the angle of crossbar
and post.
Hyde. 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Kojoe Taylor, 3. George Switzer, 4.
Brendan Aspinall, 5. Paul Taylor, 6. Lloyd Richardson, 7. Tony
Rodwell, 8. Neil Hall, 9. Simon Yeo, 10. Peter Band, 11. Chris
Dolby. Subs: 12. Mark Howard for Dolby, 14. Jody Banim for Yeo, 15.
Scott Brenchley for Rodwell.
Man of the Match: SIMON YEO:- Missed a few tonight but you can never
say "take him off" as he always finds the positions to
threaten teams. 3 goals from 2 games & I don't think he's played
superbly yet!!!!!!!!!! Well done to Brendan Aspinall & Tony
Rodwell tonight as well.
REPORT BY STEVE BOWKER
14-08-99 GATESHEAD 2 HYDE UNITED 3
UNIBOND Att. 276
It was Gateshead who kicked off the new season at The International
Stadium and the home side seemed to settle first. It was Hyde who
had the first real attempt on goal though when Chris Dolby's
free-kick was deflected past the post for a corner. Peter Band
should have opened the scoring on 15 minutes after a cross from
Rodwell he failed to make a good connection with a header. On 23
minutes Bowey shot from 12 yards for Gateshead but debutees Bennett
and Aspinall managed to block and clear the effort between them.
Bennett with a long clearance then set up Simon Yeo who caused havoc
before firing over from the edge of the box. Gateshead took the lead
on 43 minutes when Keith Fletcher latched onto a through ball and
his shot looped over Bennett via Aspinall's foot and into the goal.
Fletcher nearly scored again just after half time but Bennett closed
down the angle before making a great block. On 51 minutes Simon Yeo
spurned a good chance when his miscontrolled following good work by
Switzer, Dolby and Rodwell. Gateshead scored their second on 55
minutes when Thompson squared the ball to Keith Fletcher who calmly
slotted past the advancing Bennett. Hyde hit straight back on 59
minutes when Peter Band's cross was headed into the bottom corner by
Simon Yeo. Graham Bennett kept Hyde in the game when Hall's powerful
half volley tested the keeper to pull off a top class diving save at
full stretch. Hyde equalised after 85 minutes following good skill
by Banim and a Paul Taylor shot which richoched around the penalty
area before Simon Yeo smashed it into the top corner of the goal.
Hyde snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on 88 minutes when a
cross was handled and Paul Taylor sent Adrian Swan the wrong way
from the penalty spot.
HYDE UNITED: 1. Graham Bennett, 2. Kojoe Taylor, 3. George Switzer,
4. Brendan Aspinall, 5. Paul Taylor, 6. Lloyd Richardson, 7. Tony
Rodwell, 8. Neil Hall, 9. Simon Yeo, 10. Peter Band, 11. Chris Dolby
: Subs: 12. Mark Howard for Rodwell, 14. Jody Banim for Dolby, 15.
Scott Brenchley for Richardson. Man Of the Match: Paul Taylor -
Started where he finished last year, credit also to Graham Bennett
and Brendan Aspinall who both gave positive displays on their debuts