LEAGUE SEASON 2002 - 03

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  

04-01-03 HYDE UNITED 0 COLWYN BAY 2 UNI att. 353
In this basement battle Steve Waywell gave debuts to no less than six players and another two players were only playing their second game for the Tigers. It was no surprise then it took Hyde some time to settle, but by then, Bay had scored twice in the first fifteen minutes and basically settled the tie. The first was scored by Deiniol Graham ( well he always does) and the second was a screamer from Anton Lally. 

The Tigers slowly but surely clawed their way back into the game, but they always looked second best on the day and despite a lot of pressure never really looked like scoring. 

One high spot for the Tigers was the performance of young John Gaynor at right back. He is with Hyde on work experience and looked to have bags of potential. It is too early to judge the other new players but all had moments to show their class and a promise of better things to come. Dave Fish handled well in goal and had no chance with the goals and Padi Wilson showed glimpses of his pace in the second half, but collected a booking for a two footed challenge. 

With five minutes left, Carl Furlong unnecessarily abused a linesman, and was given a straight red. He then wanted to take issue with everybody as he slowly left the pitch. A disappointing end to a good performance by him. 

Plenty for Steve Waywell to ponder, but the signs of something better to come. 

Hyde – Fish, Gaynor, Ashwell, Crookes, Diggle, Gunby, Flitcroft, Hayder, Foster, Ellis, McGill.
Subs – Wilson, Fisher and Swanick 

Colwyn Bay – Boswell, James, Evans, Moody, G.Graham, Jones, lally, Lambert, Furlong, D.Graham, Mc Invogue
Subs – Kissock, Stannard and Caton.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD
 


01-01-03 STALYBRIDGE 6 HYDE UNITED 0 UNI att. 968
This match proved to be a bridge too far for the revitalised Tigers with a spectacular collapse in the last twenty-eight minutes. Until then, they had held their own. Celtic had gone ahead on 31 minutes through the impressive Phil Eastwood, but the Tigers had responded well with debutant Neil Fisher hitting the bar with a free-kick and then Dominic Crookes clipping the bar early in the second half.

However, once Kenny Mayers had added a well taken second on 62 minutes, the wheels came off in a grand style. Three minutes later Colin Potts ran from the half way line to score easily and three minutes after that he sent a screamer into the top corner. By now Hyde had lost their shape and discipline and things got worse on 75 minutes as Steve Foster whacked Kevin Parr across the ankles and was rightly sent off. Nathan Wharton tried to take matters into his own hands, literally, and was probably fortunate to escape with just a yellow card.

Eastwood added his second and Stalybridge’s fifth on 79 minutes. By now it was a damage limitation exercise for the Tigers, but substitute Chris Denham still managed a sixth with a minute left. This was the Tigers biggest defeat for many a year and leaves Steve Waywell with plenty to ponder for the Colwyn Bay visit on Saturday.

Hyde United – Crookes, Lomax, Ashwell, Crookes, Diggle, Fisher, Tee, Hayder, Foster, Evans, Whelan.
Subs – Meszaros, Mc Gill and Swanick

Stalybridge Celtic – Dootson, German, Caldecott, Davies, pearce, Wharton, Bowman, Parr, Mayers, Eastwood, Potts.
Subs - Denham, Hooper and Fitzgerald

REPORT BY TONY BEARD
 


28-12-02 BLYTH 1 HYDE UNITED 3 UNI att. 421
In his first match in charge, Steve Waywell managed to do what we had failed to do in the previous 19 league games – get a victory! And fully deserved it was too. 

The team performed exceptionally well on an extremely heavy pitch and against the backcloth of a very partisan crowd. It was never going to be easy, but the Tigers stuck to their task and although riding their luck at times, still managed to create chances and always looked likely victors as the match went on. 

Hyde made two changes from the ‘Bridge game. Paul Ashwell was recalled at right back with Mike Lomax moving to left back. Rick Whelan replaced Ryan Hevicon, who fell out with Gordon on Thursday and failed to show. The whole defence played brilliantly and had to withstand severe pressure in the second half on the worst part of the pitch. 

Spartans took the lead on 38 minutes through Phil Brumwell. (Could the timekeeper please check as Steve Waywell and myself had 39 and 40 for the golden goal?). Within a minute, Hyde were level as Jason Tee slotted home a quick free kick. 

After spending the first half in midfield, Steve Foster moved upfield with Lee Evans dropping back into midfield for the second. Both had storming second halves as did Troy Hayder. Foster put Hyde ahead on 62 minutes as he found the corner of the net as he burst through. With five minutes to go he added a superb second after Hayder had done brilliantly to set him up. 

All in all a perfect start. Long may it continue. 

Hyde - P.Crookes, Lomax, Ashwell, D.Crookes, Diggle, Hayder, Tee, Shelton, Foster, Evans, Whelan. 
Subs – Meszaros, Wright and Westwood 

Blyth Spartans – Gilmore, Morton, Myhill, Brumwell, Forster, Keegan, Williams, Pepper, Robson, Mc Mahon, Stewart. 
Subs – Hutton, Emersden and Boddy. 

REPORT BY TONY BEARD
 


26-12-02 HYDE UNITED 0 STALYBRIDGE 1 UNI att. 909
In the fixture everybody has been waiting for (but for which many didn’t bother to turn up!), the Tigers turned in a brilliant second hand performance but could not turn their superiority into goals. At least five chances went begging and when they did get a shot or header on target, they found ‘keeper Craig Dootson in superb form.

The first half was pretty even with Celtic just edging it. They scored a great goal on 36 minutes through leading scorer Phillip Eastwood. Immediately afterwards Gordon Hill substituted Ryan Hevicon and replaced him with Rick Whelan. No guesses for who he thought was to blame.

After a half time roasting, the Tigers came out with all guns blazing and were unlucky on several occasions. Celtic were left to rely on breakaways, and Kenny Mayers should have scored on one of them with the whole goal at his mercy, but apart from that it was all Hyde. Troy Hayder, Lee Evans and Steve Foster (playing in midfield) all played well and caused continual problems for an overworked defence.

Dootson was magnificent and showed how luck favours teams at the top. Despite all the pressure, the Tigers couldn’t find the net and therefore extended their lack of a league win to 13 under Gordon Hill and 19 in total. For people with a poor memory, September 14th was the last time the Tigers had a league win. Seems an awful long time ago.

Hyde - P.Crookes, Lomax, Wright, D.Crookes, Diggle, Hayder, Tee, Shelton, Foster, Evans, Hevicon.
Subs – Ashwell, Meszaros and Whelan

Stalybridge Celtic – Dootson, German, Caldecott, Davis, pearce, Hooper, Bowman, Wharton, Mayers, Eastwood, Potts.
Subs – Denham, Bowker and Fitzgerald.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD 



14-12-02 FRICKLEY 0 HYDE UNITED 0 UNI att. 119
A dreadful game on a poor surface at a cold and foggy Frickley. It looked a certain no score draw from the first minute and it didn’t disappoint. The only action to speak of was unsavoury in the last couple of minutes, and despite punches being thrown, the inept referee did not know which way to turn. Neither did either of his assistants come to think of it. Frickley manager, Phil Sharpe had the best idea as he ordered his team to the dressing room, somewhat bluntly, at the final whistle. During Hyde’s warm down one of the few spectators present entered the pitch to continue the argument. A totally unsatisfactory end to a drab afternoon. 

No chances to speak of. Peter Crookes dealt with everything well, with the exception of one cross which he threw into the net. Fortunately the assistant had flagged for out of play first. A touch of luck. Nothing at the other end for the second game running. 

Hyde - Crookes, Lomax, Wright, Crookes, Diggle, Lockett, Tee, Shelton, Foster, Evans, Hevicon.

Subs – Hayder, Whelan and Meszaros 

Frickley – Samways, Richards, O’Brien, Elkin, Jackson, Marquis,Morris, Woolford, Bernard, Newton, Gowen.

Subs – Evans, Hemstock and Sharpe

REPORT BY TONY BEARD
 


09-12-02 MARINE 1  HYDE UNITED 0 ULC3 att. 104
Hyde bowed out of the league cup on Monday at Marine after conceding a goal on four minutes and never really looking like getting back in the game. It was a familiar story for the Tigers with little creativity in the middle of the field and no punch up front. It was a disappointing end to the cup run after 2 good victories in the previous rounds. 
Marine took the lead on four minutes through Rick Bainbridge and that basically sealed matters. Hyde welcomed back Mike Lomax, Paul Ashwell and Ryan Hevicon and gave a debut to Nick Stephens in goal, but it was in attack where Hyde struggled without Steve Foster. 
At least we can concentrate on the league as they say! 
Hyde – Stephens, Westwood, Lomax, Crookes, Ashwell, Swanick, Meszaros, Shelton, Hevicon, Evans, Whelan
Subs – Mc Guire, Foster and Lyons 

Marine – Stewart, Wareing, proctor, Bainbridge, Mc Nally, Randles, Thompson, Nolan, Taylor, Keegan, CulshawSubs – Black, Hussin and Dolan

REPORT BY TONY BEARD 
 


07-12-02 HYDE UNITED 1 HARROGATE TOWN 5 UNI att. 268
It is difficult to find words to describe this performance from the Tigers. Rather fortunate to be one goal up at the break, they conceded five second half goals to condemn themselves to one of their biggest home defeats in recent years.

Nobody can take any credit from the game, with the exception of Stephen Lyons, who was standing in for the injured Peter Crookes. He made a string of good saves to prevent the Tigers from complete annihilation.

Hyde gave debuts in midfield to Jason Tee and Andy Shelton, whilst Martin Diggle and Phil Lockett were making their home debuts. None of them could stop Harrogate in the second half when they stepped up the pace.

Steve Foster had given Hyde the lead on 12 minutes with a well taken goal. For the rest of the half it was a matter of hanging on. They could easily have been two or three down at the break. The second half is history with James Turley grabbing a hat-trick and Robbie Whellans getting a brace as the Tigers were completely outplayed. It was as simple as that.

Twelve goals conceded in the week! And that after the euphoria of the game with Accrington. That seems long gone as the Tigers are facing relegation and its only just December. We need a saviour….well it is getting that time of year…but it may take more than Jesus with a performance like this. 

Hyde – Lyons, Swanick, Wright, Crookes, Diggle, Lockett, Tee, Shelton, Foster, Hulme, Whelan.
Subs – Lomax, Evans and McGuire 

Harrogate – Connor, Curtis, Kerr, Sturdy, Aspin, McNaughton, Turley, Bonsall,Donaldson, Whellans, Hunter.
Subs – Merris, Sykes and Richardson

REPORT BY TONY BEARD 



03-12-02 LANCASTER CITY 4 HYDE UNITED 1 UNI att. 244
Another dreadful performance from the beleaguered Tigers as they capitulated in the second half at the Giant Axe. The pitch was poor, but that was no excuse as Hyde were frequently overrun in midfield and offered little appetite for the battle. To cap a miserable evening, Dave Swanick was sent off for two bookables and will now have an additional suspension to the one he has already got to serve.

Hyde gave debuts to centre half Martin Diggle and midfielder Phil Lockett, whilst Troy Hayder, Ryan Hevicon and Leon Smith failed to show so it was a much changed side which took the field. Peter Crookes had a groin strain, but had to play as Steven Lyons was not available.

The Tigers went behind after just 3 minutes as Jimmy Love went through unchallenged to score a simple goal. Lancaster always looked the more likely to score, but Crookes in goal produced some excellent saves despite his injury. With one minute of the half left, Lee Evans headed an equaliser from a Mike Meszaros cross. In injury time the Tigers then conceded another dreadful goal as Graeme Atkinson hit the ball home.

Lancaster always had the upper hand once Paul Haddow had headed them further in front with a good goal. They had the luxury of being able to take off their strikers, but still control the game. ( At least Andy Whittaker didn’t score!). Hyde never threatened after that, but the match exploded in the last 5 minutes as Swanick was booked for a kick at substitute Chris Bennett, who then received no caution for a late tackle on the Hyde skipper. Next time Bennett got the ball, another lunge and an early bath. Totally unnecessary.

In the last seconds Diggle knocked the ball past Crookes to take the shine off an impressive debut. One of very few high spots on a dismal night at Lancaster.

Hyde – Crookes, Swanick, Wright, Crookes, Diggle, Lockett, Meszaros, Westwood, Foster, Evans, Whelan
Subs – Ashwell, Mc Guire and Ward

Lancaster – Thornley, Fensome, Haddow, Sparrow, Kilbane, Merler, Yates, Love, Whittaker, Brown, Atkinson.
Subs – Bennett, Jones and Welch


REPORT BY TONY BEARD 



30-11-02 LEEK TOWN 3 HYDE UNITED 1 FAT2 att. 303
What a difference a week makes! After the euphoria of last Sunday’s match with Accrington, this was definitely ‘after the Lord Mayor’s show’. It was a horror show of the highest order with few players coming out of the game with any credit. To cap a bad day, David Linighan finished up in Macclesfield Infirmary with a shin injury which looked like it could be serious - lets hope not 

The Tigers did not have the run of the green from an inept referree, but that was no excuse for a performance lacking any passion or commitment. 

It didn’t start too bad, and the first half was okay until one minute before the interval when a mix up allowed Leek a goal through David Whittaker. The second half fight back never materialised and once Hyde had gone two down through a disputed penalty again scored by Whittaker, the game was over. The penalty was harsh after Dave Swanick was pushed and appeared to handle in his fall. David McPherson added a third after more defensive mayhem on sixty four minutes and there could have been more. 

The nearest Hyde came to scoring was a free kick from Ryan Hevicon until Steven Ferguson, in his last game for Hyde, forced the ball home in injury time. 

Poor weather, pitch and referee but none can be blamed for such a poor show. Where was the passion of the Cup? 

Hyde - P.Crookes, Swanick, Whelan, D.Crookes, Linighan, Smith, Ward, Ferguson, Foster, Hayder, Hevicon. 
Subs – Ashwell, Evans, Merzaros, Lyons and Westwood 

Leek Town – Morgan, Bevan, Briggs, Ridley, Johnson, Sucharewycz, White, Mc Pherson, Whittaker,Taaffe, Danylyk. 
Subs – Turner, Bainbridge, Collins, Bailey and Smith. 

REPORT BY TONY BEARD



24-11-02 HYDE UNITED 3 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 3 UNI att. 652
Perhaps hard to believe, but the Tigers were just four minutes away from toppling big spending, league leaders Stanley in a thrilling game. Lutel James’ penalty right on time gave them an equaliser they hardly deserved after Paul Ashwell had made a reckless tackle. It might have been worse as Accy missed a sitter in the four minutes of added time. All this on a beautiful afternoon and in front of the biggest crowd of the season by far. 

The Tigers rose to the occasion after a sluggish start. Kevin Hulme had already rattled the crossbar before Mullin put Accrington ahead on twenty minutes after good work by the superb James. The Tigers then had one off the line before Steve Foster equalised on 39 minutes. With just seconds of the half remaining, Hulme put Hyde in front as he slid in. He received a knock from ‘keeper Jamie Speare, who had come out feet first, and had to go off early in the second half.

James equalised for Stanley on 56 minutes with a great first time shot, but nine minutes later Troy Hayder, on for the injured Hulme, scored with his first touch to put Hyde back in front. With the game ebbing and flowing and some frantic defending, Hyde looked to have secured all the points until that fateful last minute. 

This was a fantastic team effort from the Tigers. Peter Crookes produced brilliant saves when he needed to. Dave Linighan had another great game and inspired Dominic Crookes and Dave Swanick alongside him. Steven Ferguson and Julian Ward had by far their best games in midfield and the Tigers always looked like they could score. 

We would have settled for a point before the game, but on the play we finished disappointed. What it did show, and not for the first time, that there is not much difference between the top and the bottom what a bit of confidence will cure. 

Hyde - P.Crookes, Swanick, Wright, D.Crookes, Linighan, Ferguson, Ward, Farren, Foster, Hulme, Whelan. 
Subs – Ashwell, Hayder and Evans. 

Accrington – Speare, Cavanagh, Williams, Halford, Smith, Knowles, Payne, Marsh, James, Mullin, Calcutt. 

Subs – Carden, Black and Procter. 
REPORT BY TONY BEARD



18-11-02 ALTRINCHAM 1 HYDE UNITED 2 ULC2 att. 206
Gordon Hill used this game to give his fringe players a chance and how well they took it. The starting line up contained only two players who started at Ashton. Steve Foster was the only viable substitute to ensure the players knew they had to last 90 minutes and through extra time if necessary.

All the action in the game occured in the first 11 minutes, whilst there was real drama in injury time as Richard Acton was sent off for handling outside the area as Foster chased a through ball. Technically correct, but harsh in the context of the game and then to compound Altrincham's woes, Peter Band was sent off after the final whistle for continuing the argument. Foster had taken the free kick quickly and scored. It should have stood that would have been a fairer punishment for Alty. 

The Tigers (or was it cubs) started well and Troy Hayder put them in front after only 3 minutes in a melee following a corner. The joy was short lived as Stephen Lunt equalised seven minutes later. He looked miles offside , and that really set the tone for some really inept performances from the officials. Hyde stormed back within a minute, sixteen year old Michael Meszaros put them back in front. It was rather an even game after that. Altrincham perhaps thought it was too easy, whilst some of the Hyde players had something to prove. 

Overall this was a superb performance from the Tigers and the players deserve full credit for their application and commitment on the night. Anthony Hargreaves ruled himself out of the game and Gordon Hill subsequently agreed to his release. Leon Smith, Mike Lomax and Rob Woodhead were also ruled out through injury or sickness. Perhaps three league points would have been better as the losers in this game still stay in a cup competition! 

Hyde - Lyons, Westwood, Mc Guire, D. Crookes, Ashwell, Whelan, Meszaros, Hayder, Evans, Brookes, Hevicon 
Subs - Foster, Smith and P. Crookes 

Altrincham - Acton, Gallagher, Adams, Scott, Rose, Mc Donald, Murphy, Craney, Band
Lunt, Tunnicliffe 
Subs - Killeen, Mc Evoy and Evans 

REPORT BY TONY BEARD 



15-11-02 ASHTON UTD 2 HYDE UNITED 1 UNI att. 353
Another disappointing result for the Tigers in the Tameside Derby. Plenty of possession, but no killer instinct up front and frequently troubled by Ashton’s long ball tactics at the back. Having said that, the defence stood up well, with Peter Crookes again having a good game between the posts and making a stunning first half save and Dave Swanick handling the dangerous Chris Cornelly well. 

Two needless goals were the Tigers’ undoing. Darren Royle got the first on 28 minutes after the ball bounced in off him following a near post corner. Hyde should already have been one up as Julian Ward was put clean through, but failed to hit the target. The second goal, on 61 minutes, resulted from a needless foul on the edge of the area. Gareth Morris powered the ball home through the wall. Gordon Hill showed his disgust at the freekick by immediately removing Ryan Hevicon and replacing him with Lee Evans. 

Five minutes earlier Steve Foster had brought the Tigers back into the game with a delicate lob. Foster again proved to be the best forward on show but lacked support when it mattered. When Hyde got their football going, they looked confident, but at the end of the day, it is results that count, and wins are desperately needed after 14 games without one. 

Hyde were forced to do without Paul Ashwell and Matty Taylor, both of whom failed to turn up. Their days may be numbered at Ewen Fields. With Ashy being on contract, Hyde are willing to listen to offers or do a player exchange deal.

Hyde United – Crookes, Swanick, Wright, Crookes, Linighan, Ferguson, Ward, Farren, Foster, Hulme, Hevicon.
Subs Evans, Hargreaves and Westwood 

Ashton United - Trueman, Rush, White, Calvert,Royle,Riordan, Morris, Denney, Carty, Challinor, Cornelly.
Subs – Dormer, Garvey and Connor

REPORT BY TONY BEARD