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  

12-11-02 WAKEFIELD & EMLEY 1 HYDE UNITED 1 UNI att. 266
The Tigers put up a brilliant performance at championship contenders Wakefield and were desperately unlucky not to come away with all three points. Hyde had the majority of the play and with better finishing, would have won easily. 

There were plenty of changes as Paul Ashwell, Matty Taylor and Troy Hayder had ruled themselves out for various reasons and Rob Woodhead (hernia) and Mike Lomax (cracked ribs) were injured. Kevin Hulme was working, but has pledged to be back for Saturday, contrary to reports he is joining Leigh. 

Gordon Hill moved Dave Swanick to right back and he had a terrific game. Shame there were not more fans there, but Wakefield have failed to ignite local interest, whilst our own dedicated band are probably shell-shocked. With more performances like this, they will be back. Matthew Wright made his debut at left back, Julian Ward in midfield and Ryan Hevicon on the left wing. Jay Anthony and Steve Foster were recalled up front. 

Hyde were on top throughout the first period and it was no surprise when Foster put us in front on 34 minutes. We should already have been ahead. 

Wakefield equalised on 51 minutes when Larry Farren made a rash challenge in the area and Simeon Bambrook (as always) scored from the spot. It was pretty even after that with both teams having opportunities, but most of the play was from Hyde. 

The defence looked secure and David Linighan had a superb game and inspired all around him. The Crookes’ boys go from strength to strength. Dom is back to his best and Peter made crucial saves when he needed to 

Plenty of cliches are possible. Gordon’s first point, first point away from the stadium, run of 12 consecutive league defeats has ended etc etc. Perhaps, more importantly we have matched one of the best teams in the league and outplayed them for most of the game. Just like we did at Vauxhall last week. It’s a slow process, but we are getting there. The team are playing as a far more compact unit and once the injuries are cleared up and we get a settled side, we should be in better health. 

Hyde - Crookes, Swanick, Wright, Crookes, Linighan, Ferguson, Ward, Farren, Foster, Anthony, Hevicon 
Subs - Brookes, Hargreaves and Smith 

Wakefield and Emley – Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Coleano, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Tonks, Wood 
Subs – Adams, Reynold and Ryan 

REPORT BY TONY BEARD



09-11-02 HYDE UNITED 0 HUCKNALL TOWN 1 UNI att. 267
A twelvth successive league defeat and not a single point since Nolo’s departure. The Mail on Sunday appear to have us relegated already as we are not in their league table for the second week. Perhaps they know something or just jumping to the conclusion that many of the fans had, on leaving Ewen Fields on Saturday. 

There have been many changes since the start of the season with only four players starting on Saturday that were in Nolo’s last game. The defence has tightened with David Linighan an inspiration and Dom Crookes playing the best all season, yet we still made one mistake and were punished dearly ( as always). Rob Woodhead was left stranded and Mark Nangle headed home on 38 minutes. It was a good goal, but should have been prevented. 

For the rest of the time Hyde couldn’t make their possession count. Debutant Troy Hayder had a couple of early chances and two superb corners at the death from Dave Swanick almost made a goal. Swanick became the target for abuse which was neither constructive or fair. 

Kevin Hulme made his first ( and possibly last) appearance for the Tigers to help us out because of Steve Foster’s suspension. He may sign for Leigh, but he needs some more fitness. (Fozzy would have thrived on his flick ons). After his four game suspension, Paul Ashwell was unavailable through holiday and Lee Evans remains sidelined. New signing from Vauxhall Julian Ward was on the bench. 

Gordon certainly has the preverbial Hill to climb and quickly. A good midfielder and striker are desperately needed….for starters… 

Hyde – Crookes, Lomax, Woodhead, Crookes, Linighan, Swanick, Taylor, Hayder, Hulme, Ferguson, Farren.
Subs Hargreaves, Ward and Brookes. 

Hucknall – Young, Mayman, Williams, Starbuck, Hicks, Griffiths, Prindivaille, Mitchell, Lenagh, Nangle, Cooke.
Subs Huckerby, Mc Dermott and Smalley.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD 



05-11-02 VAUXHALL 1 HYDE UNITED 0 UNI att. 205 
At Rivacre Park on Tuesday, it was Hyde who produced all the fireworks but just couldn’t find the killer touch in front of goal. By the end, it was October team of the month Vauxhall, who had lost the plot, and were desperately hanging on for the points. 

Hyde’s defence superbly marshalled by David Linighan made one error in the first half and were severely punished as leading scorer Terry Fearns got his head to a Peter Cumiskey cross three minutes before half time to give Vauxhall an undeserved lead. This was cruel on the Tigers who had played extremely well and unlucky not to be in front against potentially the best team in the league. 

The second half followed a similar pattern and Hyde should have had a penalty when Linighan was floored in the box. It was not to be, as Hyde piled on more pressure but just couldn’t make it count. 

Steven Ferguson, on loan from Leeds United, made his debut and teamed up well in midfield with his team-mate from Leeds, Larry Farren. But on this showing, Hyde urgently need a striker to partner Steve Foster, as well as a left sided midfielder. The defence now looks solid, with Dominic Crookes playing well, whilst his name sake in goal has regained some confidence , probably by having Linighan in front of him. Although games are running out for the Tigers, Gordon Hill is confident that a couple of signings will do the trick. On this showing, the ship has certainly been steadied, it is now a matter of turning it around. 

Hyde – Crookes, Lomax, Woodhead, Crookes, Linighan, Swanick, Smith, (Meszaros 66), Anthony, ( Hargreaves 55), Foster, Ferguson, Farren. 
Sub – not used – Westwood 

Vauxhall – Ralph, Lawton, Mc Dermott, Brazier, Haddrell, Ward, Aspinall, Lynch, Fearns, ( Welton 75), Young, Cumiskey 
Subs – not used - Nesbitt and Robinson


REPORT BY TONY BEARD



02-11-02 GATESHEAD 0 HYDE UNITED 2 FAT1 att. 122 
Things looked up for the Tigers from the moment Gordon Hill did a live interview from the coach on 5 live and said we were the strongest team in the league! 

A great team performance this with everybody contributing. In defence David Linighan inspired all around him with Dominic Crookes having his best game of the season and Peter Crookes keeping a clean sheet. In midfield Dave Swanick set a captain’s example whlist up front Steve Foster, with little protection from the referee, played superbly. He put Hyde ahead on 29 minutes and then bagged another in injury time. 

In between Gateshead had a lot of the ball but never looked like breaking down the tight 4-4-2 formation Hill employed and were always troubled by Hyde on the break. 

There were plenty of plusses for Hyde and with two or three more players, and the ones back from injury, we will be on the road to recovery. This result was all the more satisfying after losing every away game this season including pre-season, but sad only 122 were there to witness it, which will result in a net loss on gate receipts. 

Hyde – P.Crookes, Lomax, Woodhead, Crookes, Linighan, Swanick, Taylor, Anthony, Foster, Smith, Farren.
Subs – Meszaros, Lyons, Hargreaves, Brookes and Westwood.

Gateshead – Dowell, Harrison, Shotton, Dixon, Jones, Radigan, Southern,Mc Alindon,Moat, Coates, Colvin.
Subs – Waind, Cramman and Morgan

REPORT BY TONY BEARD



28-10-02 HYDE UNITED 0 RUNCORN 2 UNI att. 334
The Tigers slumped to their tenth successive league defeat with a disappointing performance against Runcorn and now have a mountain to climb if they are to get clear of the relegation slots. 

Runcorn took the lead on 26 minutes when a clumsy tackle by Steve Foster on the extreme edge of the area gave them a penalty. Peter Crookes saved Gary Lunt’s spot kick, but Lunt put in the rebound. Runcorn could have increased their lead as two were cleared off the line, whilst another clipped the post. Foster had a couple of half chances at the other end, but it was Runcorn who went in on top at half time. 

The Tigers had a good spell after the interval but couldn’t find the killing pass and when substitute Lee Parle added a second against the run of play, it was all over. Runcorn looked sharp throughout with Matty Mc Neil and Kevin Leadbetter causing the Tiger’s defence all sorts of problems. Mike Lomax and Dominic Crookes (after Dave Linighan had gone off injured at half time) coped well overall with the lightning quick Leadbetter, who can’t fail to have impressed the many scouts in the crowd, but it was midfield where Hyde struggled. Up front Anthony Hargreaves and Foster didn’t get the service they needed to capitalise on a sluggish defence. 

At the end of the day the Tigers were well beaten to leave Gordon Hill plenty to ponder in advance of Saturday’s trip to Gateshead. 

Hyde - Crookes, Lomax, Woodhead, Crookes, Linighan, Swanick, Meszaros, Smith, Foster, Hargreaves, Farren

Subs – Brookes, Westwood and Harkness 

Runcorn – Mc Millan, Carragher, Ness, Ellis, Tomlinson, Baines, Price, Morley, Mc Neil, Lunt, Leadbetter

Subs – Gamble, Parle and Kinney

REPORT BY TONY BEARD



26-10-02 WHITBY TOWN 3 HYDE UNITED 2 UNI att. 304
Another defeat, another three goals conceded and bottom of the league by 4.45pm. Those are the blunt facts, but actually hide a different story. 

The Tigers played well for much of this game. Mike Meszaros clipped the bar early on , whilst Leon Smith shot wide from a good position. However Hyde gifted a goal on 30 minutes when Peter Crookes’ poor clearance allowed Aron Wilford to score the first of his three. A minute later he bagged a second, which looked suspiciously offside. However within a minute, Steve Foster had pulled one back with a neat header from a Rob Woodhead cross. Woodhead had been recalled after Matty Taylor had phoned in sick on Saturday morning. Whitby Flu? 

The second half was pretty even but Whitby went further in front on sixty minutes as Wilford completed his hat trick via a deflection. Ten minutes later a superb through ball from Larry Farren, on loan from Leeds, set up Anthony Hargreaves to pull one back. A few close shaves, but Whitby held on. 

This was harsh on the Tigers who deserved at least a draw. Peter Crookes after an early error performed well and was unlucky with the two other goals. His namesake Dominic had his best game for some time. Farren looked a class player in midfield and Foster was always dangerous up front. A win against Runcorn is the least we need now… 

Hyde – Crookes, Lomax, Woodhead, Crookes, Linighan, Swanick, Meszaros, Smith, Foster, Hargreaves, Farren
Subs - Westwood, Harkness and Brookes

Whitby Town Campbell, Reid, Dunning, Laws,Williams, Dixon, Veart, Swales, Zoll, Wilford, Gildea
Subs - Ure, Reed, Smith

REPORT BY TONY BEARD 



23-10-02 HYDE UNITED 2 TRAFFORD 1 ULC1 att. 182
‘A win is a win is a win’ as they say and after six straight defeats, some welcome relief. In his first match in permanent charge, Gordon Hill used to game to give him a look at some of the fringe players, welcome back Matty Taylor and also introduce three new signings. Larry Farren has been signed on a month’s loan from Leeds United and he will make his debut on Saturday, whilst Danny Webster was released after the game so he can join David Nolan at Kidsgrove. Changes are obviously afoot. 

Back to the game. With both teams having what could politely be called ‘disappointing starts’, this turned out to be an exciting end to end game with the Tigers hanging on at the finish to ensure progress into the next round. It started well for Hyde with Steve Foster scoring a stunning goal on eight minutes from out near the touchline. However Trafford pulled level on 36 minutes with a well-taken goal from Tom Beech. Just before half-time (when we generally concede), Mike Meszaros capitalised after woeful defending, to put us back in front, when he scored from a tight angle.

The second half was pretty even with both sets of forwards looking lively and finding plenty of space. Steve Lyons was called on to make a number of good saves as the game went on and despite a few close shaves the Tigers held on for a memorable victory. Memorable because there have been so few recently! The only black spot for Hyde was a booking for Foster, which means he has now accumulated five and will miss the game with Hucknall on November 9th.

Hyde – Lyons, Westwood, Taylor, Lomax, Webster, Harkness, Eyre, Meszaros, Foster, Brookes, Whelan.
Subs – Linighan, Crookes and Brady

Trafford – Newbrook, Phillips, Flood, Harris, Wagstaff, Atherton, Cooney, Ryder, Beech, Daniel, Cowley
Subs – Shillito, Sutcliffe and Johnson


REPORT BY TONY BEARD 



19-10-02 MARINE 4 HYDE UNITED 1 UNI att. 
It was the same old story on Saturday at Marine for the Tigers a reasonable first half, only to lose the game through poor defending and bad mistakes.
The Tigers introduced new signing Dave Linighan at the heart of defence with Matty Taylor back from Mossley on the bench.
Marine could have taken the lead as early as the fifth minute when Neil Black broke through the Hyde defence his shot saved by the legs of keeper Crookes.
Mezaros had a shot saved by the home keeper. Then on 20 minutes good work between Mezaros and Foster ended with Brookes having a shot just past the post.
It was the Tigers that took the lead on 26 minutes when a ball into the area was back headed by Marine defender Culshaw into the path of Foster who slotted home.
Once again The Tigers showed how they cannot hang on to a lead when a minute after Marine pulled a goal back through Rick Bainbridge. Marine continued to put the Hyde defence under pressure.
Disaster struck two minutes after the restart when Marine took the lead with a bizzare own goal. A throw in from the left by Mullin was seemed to have been caught by keeper Crookes only to bundled over the line to the goal.


REPORT BY MARK DRING



14-10-02 HYDE UNITED 1 BARROW 3 UNI att. 363
The Tigers regained some further pride, but still went down 3-1 to Barrow after more defensive errors. Peter Crookes suffered from lack of confidence and the rearranged defence were always struggling. 

Hyde recalled Danny Webster and Rob Woodhead at the back, Leon Smith in midfield and Lee Evans up front. Gordon Hill also gave Mike Meszaros a debut on the right wing. Dominic Crookes had flu and Jay Anthony failed a test. 

Hyde took the lead on 6 minutes through Evans after a great through ball from Smith. Grant Holt equalised on 12 minutes and bagged a second on 20 minutes. 

Grant completed his hat trick on 88 minutes when he scored from a tight angle. The Tigers had most of the play in the second half with Meszaros having a good game on the right, but like Saturday, Barrow always had a cushion. 

Hyde hope to have a new Manager in place before Saturday’s visit to Marine 

Hyde - P.Crookes, Webster, Woodhead, Mc. Guire, Lomax, Swanick, Meszaros, Evans, Foster, Hargreaves, L.Smith. 
Subs – Brookes, Eyre and Ashwell 

Barrow – Bishop, Warren, Maxfield, Hall, Hume, Anthony, Housham, Gaughan, Holt, Bullimore, Tarrant. 
Subs – Rogers, Jones, and Tierney
REPORT BY TONY BEARD



12-10-02 BARROW 3 HYDE UNITED 1 FAC3qr att. 1074
The Tigers regained some pride at Barrow after the humiliation at Bradford, but still found time for three defensive errors which enabled Barrow to ultimately achieve a comfortable win. Lee Evans and Leon Smith both failed fitness tests, but Rob Woodhead was recalled to the bench. Hyde had former England and Manchester United star, Gordon Hill in temporary charge. 

Barrow took the lead on 15 minutes when Wayne Bullimore curled a free-kick directly into the net. It probably should have been cleared or saved. Hyde fought back and Anthony Hargreaves scored a well worked equaliser on 22 minutes to stun the partisan crowd. 

Disaster struck for the Tigers three minutes later as Peter Crookes could only help the ball into his own net under pressure. A possible foul, but it should have been cleared. 

After a positive half time chat, Hyde needed to get back early in the second half, but after only three minutes another defensive mix up left Mark Hume the easy task of scoring. This was harsh on Hyde with a couple of ricochets falling for Barrow. The Tigers battled bravely but with a two goal advantage, Barrow had enough in hand. Steve Foster and Hargreaves played well throughout and both came close to scoring in each half. 

With 15 minutes left, Paul Ashwell and Barrow’s Grant Holt were sent off after an unsavoury incident. Ashy will now be at the mercy of the FA having already been sent off at Colwyn Bay. 

Not really the result the Tigers wanted, but some pride had been restored. 

Hyde - P.Crookes, Mc. Guire, Lomax, D.Crookes, P.Ashwell, Swanick, Eyre, Anthony, Foster, G.Smith, Hargreaves. 
Subs – Sadiq, Brookes, Woodhead, Lyons and Evans
 
Barrow – Bishop, Rogers, Maxfield, Salmon, Hume, Anthony, Warren, Gaughan, Holt, Bullimore, Tarrant. 
Subs – Hall, Housham, Jones, Hill and Liddicott 

REPORT BY TONY BEARD
 


09-10-02 BRADFORD PA 5 HYDE UNITED 1 UNI att. 301
A disasterous night at the Horsfall Stadium when little went right for the shell shocked Tigers. The night got off to a bad start when Leon Smith and Lee Evans both were ruled out with injury, leaving only 14 players available to select from. 

Mike Lomax was recalled in defence with Dominic Crookes moving to left back. Dave Swanick, who has apologised for his gesture on Saturday, played in front of the back four. Steve Lyons was given a full game in goal, with Anthony Hargreaves recalled up front. 

A reasonable first half performance with just one error allowing Andy Hayward to knock in a loose ball. A couple of other close shaves, but overall a fair half. Paul Ashwell received a knock on his broken nose and had to be taken off immediately after half time. Paul Mc Guire followed a minute later with an ankle injury and the Tigers were forced to reshuffle with Kenny Brady at right back and Jay Anthony up front. 

Bradford stepped up the pace and exploited Brady’s inexperience to humiliate the Tigers in the second half. Jason Maxwell scored twice as did Rory Prendergast. Steve Lyons suffered knee problems on 67 minutes and was replaced by Steve Foster in goal. Easy to lay individual blame, but this wasn’t a good performance overall. There were some high spots though. Ged Smith had a good second half, Fozzie could always be a goalie if he stops scoring, but the real highlight was a brilliant solo goal from Tahir Sadiq much to the delight of many of his friends in the crowd. He promptly won a bottle of whisky for the Hyde man of the match – not the ideal prize when you are a muslim! He kindly donated it to the team. 

Plenty to ponder for Saturday, but the first priority has to be getting the injured players fit. Ashwell, Mc Guire, Smith and Evans are all doubtful. 

Hyde – Lyons, Mc Guire, Lomax, Crookes, Ashwell, Swanick, Eyre, Hargreaves, Foster, G.Smith, Brookes 
Subs - Sadiq, Anthony and Brady 

Bradford – Pfannenstiel, Daly, Quinn, Martin, Stansfield, Mitchell, Lindley,Benn, Hayward, Maxwell, Prendergast 
Subs – Painter, Tracey and James 

REPORT BY TONY BEARD



05-10-02 HYDE UNITED 2 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC 3 UNI att. 281
This match encapsulated the whole season in 45 minutes. The Tigers already one goal up through Richard Eyre, scored again through Jay Anthony three minutes after half-time and at 2-0 up looked comfortable. Andy Evans then pulled one back after slack defending, but even at 2-1, Hyde looked likely winners. However with nine minutes left, Nigel Hemstock got an unlikely equaliser again after sloppy defending. To put icing on the cake, Evans popped up with a winner in injury time to leave the Tigers devastated. Frickley had battled well in the second half but should still have been no match for Hyde. 

The defeat was harsh on the patched up Tigers. There was only 14 to select from with both Nolans now gone and Anthony Hargreaves and Lee Evans still injured. Tom Brookes lasted 75 minutes despite suffering from ‘flu and other players were carrying knocks. The effort could not be faulted, but the defending was woeful.

Hyde gave a brief debut to new signing Tahir Saqid who is a prolific scorer in Yorkshire amateur football.

Hyde travel to Bradford on Wednesday and have just 90 minutes to get it right before Saturday’s crucial match at Barrow

Hyde - P.Crookes, Mc. Guire, L.Smith, D.Crookes, P.Ashwell, Swanick, Eyre, Anthony, Foster, G.Smith, Brookes. 
Subs – Sadiq, Brady and Lomax 

Frickley Athletic - Siddall, Hemstock, Willuiams, Sharpe, Wordsworth, Jackson, Hancock, Elkin, Evans, Morris, Gowan 
Subs – Marsh, Milligan and Hine 

REPORT BY TONY BEARD