LEAGUE SEASON 2004 - 05

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  

20-11-04  HYDE UNITED 2  WHITBY TOWN 2  UNI  att. 371

Hyde extended their unbeaten league run to sixteen games after a brilliant fightback earned then a point against title contenders, Whitby Town, and with a little more luck in front of goal, it could have been three.

The Tigers found themselves two goals down inside the first fourteen minutes and were without leading scorer, Neil Tolson, Jamie Milligan and Paul Jones, who were all injured. The writing looked on the wall as a big and strong Whitby outfit dominated the early proceedings. But having said that Chris Lynch, John O’Kane and Dale Johnson both all close, when perhaps they should have scored.

The first goal came after just 8 minutes when Nicky Hill and Tim Mullock got into an awful tangle to allow  Neil Bishop to side foot home. Things got worse six minutes later as Liam Gildea headed home unchallenged. This was a bit harsh on the Tigers as Johnson has been fouled in midfield beforehand, but they still had time to clear the ball nevertheless.

In the second half, the Tigers stepped up the pace, but the Whitby defence were strong and uncompromising until man of the match by a mile, Matty McNeil lashed home a ‘daisy cutter’ from 22 yards. Suddenly Hyde started to believe in themselves. Substitute Wayne Dean began to make darting runs on the right and Craig Buckley was introduced to add some impetus in midfield, The Tigers pressed forward and all of a sudden Whitby started to look vulnerable. With just four minutes left, it was Buckley who slotted the ball home to earn the tigers a fully deserved point. It was appropriate Craig should be the man to grab the equaliser to hopefully bring some light relief, after such an traumatic week in his private life, with his father’s murder trial starting.

Hyde – Mullock, Clegg, Hill, Waine, Lynch, O’Kane, Barrowclough, Salt, Gaynor, Johnson, Mc Neil. Buckley, Ellis, Dean.

Whitby – Campbell (D), Atkinson, Veart, Farthing, Linighan, Nicholson, Ormerod, Scaife, Johnson, Gildea, Bishop.Subs McTiernan, Williams, Campbell (P)

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

27-11-04  KENDAL TOWN 1  HYDE UNITED 1  FAT2  att. 174

As expected this game proved to be a lot more difficult than the cup–tie 12 days previous as Kendal battled every inch of the way and were rewarded with a late equaliser to take the match back to Hyde.

The Tigers who were without Paul Jones, Jamie Milligan and Steven Clegg had a dream start as Phil Salt shot them in front after just seven minutes with one into the top corner. He had already come close but Mark Thornley had managed to scramble the ball away. Hyde dominated the rest of the half and gave Thornley a torrid time. The pitch was difficult and the heavy drizzle made the ball greasy. Neil Tolson came the closest to adding another, but again Thornley managed to beat the ball away.

The second half was a different story as Kendal stepped up the pace. They battled and harried for every ball and Hyde could not repeat the control of the first half, although the midfield three covered every inch of the ground, with Salt having his best game for some time. They were not helped by some bizarre decisions from the officials, but Kendal would say they were not helped either.

With the Tigers on the back foot, Tim Mullock produced a wonder save to thwart Peter Smith, but could do nothing six minutes from time after Kenny Mayers was allowed to turn in the box and slide the ball home. Kendal deserved their goal, but the build-up was a bit hard on Hyde as John Gaynor collected a booking for an innocuous tackle and the goal came from the resultant free-kick.

Time for a frantic finish. Kendal struck the woodwork and Matty McNeil missed a glorious chance at the end to clinch it. A pulsating cup tie which had everything, but it was a shame the Officials did not perform to the same level as some of the players.  Mullock rightly collected the Man of the Match award for his superb handling throughout but was run close by Nicky Hill.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Hill, Waine, Buckley, O’Kane, Gaynor, Salt, Tolson,  Johnson, Mc Neil. Subs Dean, Ellis, Barrowclough, Jones, Meszaros.

Kendal – Thornley, Rigby,  McKenna, Whitall-Williams, Taylor, Mercer, Smith(P), Woodruffe, Foster, Mayers, Ashcroft. Subs Burrow, Clitheroe, Galley, Jack, Smith(G)

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

29-11-04    HYDE UNITED 3  KENDAL TOWN 2 FAT2replay  att. 235

Hyde progressed to the next round of the FA Trophy, but were made to fight all the way at Ewen Fields by a spirited Kendal Town. With £3000 for the winners and a home tie with Whitby in the next round, there was plenty to play for and it turned out to be a pulsating game. The only disappointment was a desperately low crowd. What do Hyde have to do to bring back the fans?

On a cold and frosty night, it was Kendal’s ‘keeper Mark Thornley who felt the heat in the first period, with Phil Salt hitting the bar after just two minutes. He was forced into numerous fine saves as the Tigers pressed forward and it was no surprise when Matty McNeil headed them in front after twenty mintes. Hyde should have increased their lead before half time as Craig Buckley, Dale Johnson and Neil Tolson all went close.

In the second period, Hyde were made to rue the chances they had missed as Ged Smith equalised on 53 minutes, but not before Chris Lynch had brought another brilliant save from Thornley. After the goal, Kendal had their best period and Hyde were on the back foot for twenty minutes, but slowly normal service was resumed as Buckley made a great run before slotting the ball over Thornley on 71 minutes. Tolson scored his obligatory goal nine minutes later and it looked all over. But Kendal wouldn’t lie down and with just a minute left Lee Clitheroe pulled one back with the help of a deflection, to leave the Tigers a difficult five minutes including added time to survive.

Kendal gave it their all, but Hyde held on and could have had  a fourth as Buckley made another great run into the area. The Tigers march on and are now Tameside’s only survivors in the competition.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Hill, Waine, Buckley, O’Kane, Gaynor, Salt, Tolson,  Johnson, Mc Neil.Subs Dean, Ellis, Barrowclough, Jones, Meszaros.

Kendal – Thornley, Rigby,  McKenna, Whitall-Williams, Taylor, Mercer, Smith(P), Jack, Smith(G), Mayers, Ashcroft. Subs Burrow, Clitheroe, Galley, Woodruffe, Foster.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

04-12-04  OSSETT  TOWN 2  HYDE UNITED  4  UNI  att.158

Hyde turned in a superb performance at Ossett on Saturday to win a game, which, on paper at least, had looked difficult. Ossett are always difficult to beat at home with their pitch being a great leveller, but the Tigers were on top from the very first minute and never really looked back.

Man of the match by a mile was Wayne Dean. Frequently a reluctant substitute this season, he turned in a great cameo show after being given his chance after Dale Johnson had called in sick. Given a free role just behind the front two, he troubled Ossett all afternoon and then helped himself to two goals in the last quarter.

Hyde welcomed back Paul Jones, but were still missing Jamie Milligan and Steven Clegg as well as Johnson. Nicky Hill moved into midfield to give some much-needed height.

Right from the kick-off, Hyde were on top and should have been in front by the time, ‘keeper John Hood brought down Dean on 24 minutes. Phil Salt converted the spot-kick, but only just. Ossett were level seven minutes later when John Gaynor was adjudged to have held back Rodney Rowe in the area. Stephen Price converted the kick and a booking for Gaynor. A bit harsh especially as Hood had escaped any punishment earlier. Having said that the referee had an excellent game and we have not said that many times this season.

Neil Tolson, Craig Buckley and Hill all went close before the break, but it was the irrepressible Tolson who restored Hyde’s lead one minute into the second half with a great run and finish. The Tigers were now playing some of their best football of the season on an extremely difficult pitch.

With 19 minutes left, Tolson put Dean through and despite being fouled, he maintained his balance to slot past Hood. Two minutes later Matty McNeil headed across goal for Deano to again find the net. Still time for Rod Nugent to head a consolation goal for Ossett, but Hyde comfortably held on for an impressive victory at a place where fellow title contenders Leek had lost by three goals just a week before.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Hill, Jones, Buckley, O’Kane, Dean, Salt, Tolson, Gaynor, Mc Neil.Subs Barrowclough, Ellis, Waine

Ossett Town – Hood, Hudson, Dixon, Price, Nugent, Wheeler, Callery, Bolder, Rowe, Walshaw, Hussain. Subs Briggs, Newton, Rimmington.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

11-12-04  HYDE UNITED  3 GUISELEY 1 UNI  att. 320

Hyde  took their unbeaten league run to 18 games with a hard-fought victory over Guiseley at Ewen Fields. In the process Neil Tolson grabbed his 50^th goal for the club in only his second season to steady the ship when the the pressure was beginning to mount in the second half.

The Tigers opened strongly and took the lead on 18 minutes when Craig Buckley turned in the area and lashed in a left footer across the ‘keeper. His reaction was ecstatic. He has spent the last month in court listening to the horrific events surrounding his father’s death, yet insisted on playing nevertheless. His character and resolve sums up the Tiger’s team spirit at the moment. Hyde’s joy was shortlived , however, as James Stansfield headed home a corner eleven minutes later.

Guiseley were fighting for everything and Jonathan Hunt picked up a yellow for a second lunge at Chris Lynch. After half-time with the game still well poised and Guiseley a threat, Steve Waywell played his substitution card and brought on Dale Johnson. Within three minutes, Hyde were in front as the irrepressible Tolson prodded home after John Lamb had made a hash of a cross.

It was now all Hyde and Johnson capped a short cameo performance when in injury time, he turned Nathan Hay on the half way line, ran half the length of the pitch, rounded Lamb and scored a superb solo goal. It was a great end to a tough encounter.

There was still time for Hunt to collect a second yellow for another lunge at Lynch, who was forced to leave the field. The only downside for Hyde were bookings for John O’Kane and Wayne Dean, which will mean one match bans in a couple of weeks. Paul Jones, correctly, was awarded the man of the match award, but Tolson and Buckley ran him close.

Hyde – Mullock, Clegg, Hill, Jones, Buckley, O’Kane, Dean, Salt, Tolson,  Lynch, Mc Neil.Subs Johnson, Kielty, Barrowclough.

Guiseley – Lamb, Ord, Ball, Illingworth, Graham, Stansfield, Henry, Hunt, Cooke, Grayston, Stuart.Subs Chattoe, Hay, Forrest.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

14-12-04  MARINE 2  HYDE UNITED 2  UNI  att. 245

On a very windy night in Crosby, two goals from Neil Tolson secured a point for the Tigers, but on reflection this was probably two points lost rather than a point gained. Although an exciting game, Hyde were never really at their best, but as usual managed to carve out a number of chances.

The game revolved around the two ‘keepers, Peter Crookes, formerly with Hyde, and struggling with as leg injury, and Tim Mullock. Both made a number of fine saves, but each made a fatal error for two of the goals. Hyde took the lead on ten minutes when Tolson swivelled in the area and the ball was in the net before Crookes could move. Three minutes later Steven Clegg headed one off the line and then Mullock was forced into one of his many good saves. After 34 minutes Crookes joined the action beating away a Phil Salt free-kick. Three minutes before half time, Mullock fumbled and  Chris lightfoot was on hand to side foot home, but seconds later Mullock redeemed himself with a brilliant one handed save again from Lightfoot.

Playing with the wind at their backs, Hyde stormed forward at the start of the second half and Tolson grabbed his second within five minutes as Crookes failed to hold his shot and the ball dropped into the net, Salt nearly grabbed another as he hit the angle, but the Tigers joy was short-lived as an unmarked Darren Brookfield headed an equaliser eight minutes later.

With the game finely balanced and Marine’s direct style causing problems for the Tigers’ defence, Mullock was forced into two more great saves, before substitute, Wayne Dean forced another good save from Crookes in the dying minutes. The unbeaten league run goes on, but Hyde were never at their best and really should have picked up all the points, if it had not been for their defensive lapses.

Hyde – Mullock, Clegg, Hill, Jones, Buckley, O’Kane, Gaynor, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, Mc Neil. Subs Dean, Waine, Kielty

Marine – Crookes, Murphy, Fitzsimmons, Ellison, Connolly, Randles, Cain, McNally, Lightfoot, Taylor, Brookfield. Subs Dolan, Mullin, Elias

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

18-12-04  BRIDLINGTON TOWN 0  HYDE UNITED 2  ULC  att. 111

Hyde progressed to the last eight of the League Challenge Cup without too many alarms at a bitterly cold Bridlington on Saturday. A goal in each half was enough to secure victory in a game where the home side never really threatened.

The Tigers started strongly and should have been two up in the first ten minutes. First Dale Johnson was put clean through and he did everything right until he lost control after a bad bounce. Matty McNeil followed a similar fate minutes later as the uneven surface caused problems for attackers and defenders alike.

It wasn’t until the stroke of half time that McNeil, causing problems all afternoon, threaded the ball to a rejuvenated Wayne Dean to slot home. The second half followed a similar pattern with Hyde causing problems on the break and the irrepressible McNeil hammered home a second with twenty minutes remaining to secure the victory. When substituted five minutes later, a wag in the crowd said he wished it had been an hour sooner. He was probably right, as Matty had wreaked havoc all afternoon.

Hyde took the opportunity to rest Neil Tolson and give Ged Kielty his debut whilst Jamie Milligan, Phil Salt and Chris Lynch were sidelined with injury. Despite the weakened team, Hyde were always too strong for Bridlington with the result never in doubt in a pretty poor game. There will be sterner tests ahead.

Hyde – Mullock, Clegg, Hill, Jones, Waine, O’Kane, Dean, Kielty, Gaynor,  Johnson, Mc Neil.Subs Buckley, Barrowclough, Tolson

Bridlington – Kelly, Giblin, Robinson, Tomlinson, Harper, Fisher, Burdick, Thacker, Palmer, Fell, Wilson. Subs Heath, Suddaby, Cooper.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

27-12-04  HYDE UNITED 1  WITTON ALBION 0   UNI  att. 601

This was a dramatic game in every sense of the word, but the Tigers held on to claim all three points in their pursuit of Workington. In front of a Bank Holiday crowd, Hyde started the game with three regulars missing and by the end it was six with Paul Jones and Dale Johnson limping off and Nicky Hill being stretchered off with serious concussion. Some of the fans felt Hyde had played badly, but with all the changes, it was impossible to get into any rhythm. Steven Clegg played centre back and had three different partners during the game, whilst Matty McNeil played everywhere, as Hyde continually had to reshape.

It could have been worse as Neil Tolson got off his sick bed to play and really struggled second half and Matty McNeil insisted on playing despite the tragic loss of his brother on Christmas Day. This epitomises the spirit in the team and Hyde desperately needed it as the game wore on.

By the start the pitch was in excellent condition despite fears of postponement after overnight frost, but the ground staff had worked tirelessly to get the game on and were rewarded with a crowd exceeding 600. By the second minute, they may have wished they hadn’t as leading scorer Mike Moseley twice went close for Witton, but Hyde swept up field and Tolson was inches wide with a rasping drive. Chris Lynch brought a superb save from Paul Gibson on 25 minutes and it was still end-to-end stuff as Craig Buckley volleyed home a Phil Salt corner on 35 minutes. He seems to have put his family traumas behind him having scored in all of the last four home games.

Still time for a floodlight pylon to trip out as a storming first half came to an end. A further reshuffle at half time brought on Andy Waine for a limping Johnson and with the lights back on, Hyde knew they would need to at their best to keep Witton at bay. Keep them at bay they did but not without being under siege for the last half hour as Witton piled forward in waves and Hyde not being able to find an outlet up-front with Tolson struggling.

Substitute John Stannard struck the bar with Tim Mullock beaten, but they never got past the big man again as he produced a string of great saves to preserve the Tigers’ slender lead. Five minutes of injury time from the excellent referee only added to the drama, but Hyde held on for the three points and who knows how important that will be come the day of reckoning. The majority of the crowd ultimately went home happy, despite some being critical of the team, which had just completed 20 unbeaten league games and not lost at home for 12 months. I think that is harsh!

Hyde – Mullock, Clegg, Hill, Jones, Buckley, Lynch, Gaynor, Salt, Tolson,  Johnson, Mc Neil.Subs Barrowclough, Kielty, Waine

Witton Albion – Gibson, Farley, Connors, Pritchard, Furnival, Foy, Burton, King, Moseley, Salmon, Barlow. Subs Yates, Stannard, Baker

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

01-01-05  RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 1 HYDE UNITED 0  UNI  att. 383

Hyde failed to score for the first time this season and paid the ultimate price as former favourite Steve Foster scored a minute into the second half to end the Tiger’s unbeaten league run at waterlogged Stainton Park.

The referee inspected the pitch twice before allowing the game to proceed, but it was Radcliffe who were all at sea for the first ten minutes as Hyde, missing five regulars through injury, quickly got into their stride despite playing uphill and against the wind. However as the rain started to lash down again, Hyde were pushed further and further back and were indebted to Tim Mullock who kept Radcliffe at bay until half-time.

Hyde were probably the happier of the teams at half-time looking forward to playing downhill with the wind at their backs, but with the pitch now completely sodden, it became more of a lottery and a killer strike from Foster a minute into the second half  settled the game. He turned Steven Clegg, who lost his footing and slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

Radcliffe had other chances to settle it but Mullock stood firm and as the match progressed, Hyde came into their own. Carl Barrowclough was introduced on the right and his silky skills caused all sorts of problems for defenders attempting to turn and in the last quarter new signing Damien Hindle had three sharp chances, hitting the angle of post and bar with one of them. Craig Buckley had the best chance, but lost his footing with the goal at his mercy.

The run is over, but the injury ravaged Tigers were certainly not disgraced as the pitch  and the elements proved to be a great leveller.

Perhaps it was the Waywell New Year jinx? In his two years with us, we have lost all the New Year games, Stalybridge in year one, Witton last year and now Radcliffe!

Hyde – Mullock, Clegg, Hill, Mortimer, Buckley, O’Kane, Dean, Salt, Hindle, Gaynor, Mc Neil.Subs Barrowclough, Ellis, Kielty

Radcliffe Borough – Hurst, Duffy, Kelly, McGuire, Hill, Sampson, Wilson, Battersby, Killheeney, Foster, Forrest.  Subs Denney, Crowther, Heald

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

03-01-05  BURSCOUGH 4 HYDE UNITED 0  UNI  att. 366

Burscough completed a miserable weekend for the Tigers inflicting one of their worst defeats for sometime. Hyde can have no excuses despite missing five regulars again. In this game they were never at the races and only a handful of players can be pleased with their performance. As for the rest, the game is best forgotten.

No complaints with the pitch this time as David Eaton saw his way to a hat trick, securing his first two in the first twenty minutes. Both were as a result of poor defending by the luckless Steven Clegg. Matty McNeil and Wayne Dean combined to almost pull a goal back, but by the end of the half, Burscough were well on top with the hapless Tigers second to everything.

Steve Waywell issued a no-nonsense rollicking at half time and showed his frustration by introducing all three substitutes at the start of the second half. Just as Hyde had a sniff of getting back into the game, Paul Gedman added a third after more woeful defending. He could have had another four minutes later when he blazed again the outside of the post when clean through. Things could have been worse for Hyde as Wayne Dean was lucky to avoid a second caution after a reckless challenge bourne out of frustration.

Hyde desperately tried to claw their way back with John Gaynor, Chris Lynch and John O’Kane outstanding, but the game was long gone when Hyde should have had a penalty for handball with fifteen minutes left. There was still time for Gaynor to bring a great save from David Newnes, but in injury time, Eaton grabbed his third to complete a comprehensive hiding for the Tigers. Ironically both New Year games last year were defeats, so Waywell will again have to weave his magic to get Hyde back on track. The return of the injured players as soon as possible has to be the number one priority.

Hyde – Mullock, Clegg, Hill, Mortimer, Buckley, O’Kane, Dean, Salt, Hindle, Gaynor, Mc Neil.Subs Barrowclough, Lynch, Kielty

Burscough – Newnes, Underwood, Dames, McKearney, McNulty, Crowder, Parry, Blakeman, Gedman, Eaton, Bowen. Subs Bluck, Martindale, Byrne.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

08-01-05  FARSLEY CELTIC 2  HYDE UNITED 0  UNI  att. 246

The result suggests the same story as the previous two games as Hyde failed to score for the third consecutive game, but there was more to this game than first appears.

Neil Tolson, currently injured, was forced to start in goal as Tim Mullock was delayed by the extreme weather and didn’t actually touch the ball before Mullock duly arrived to take over after three minutes. The only problem for the Tigers was that Andy Waine originally named on the bench had to be sacrificed. Hardly good preparation for such an important game. The good news was that Kieran Delaney was back from his travelling and named in the team.

On a sodden pitch with the gale and driving rain behind them, Hyde took control and should have been in front by half time. Matty McNeil and John Gaynor had both gone close, before Jamie Milligan, back after injury and playing well, curled a long range free-kick against the bar. McNeil was unlucky with a penalty appeal before right on half time, Dale Johnson; also back after injury, headed home. As the Tigers celebrated, assistant Mr Khalfe ruled the ball hadn’t crossed the line, despite being well positioned. A dreadful decision and he could have no excuse.

Things went from bad to worse at the start of the second half as Mullock failed to get any distance in clearing a John O’Kane back pass and Michael Midwood hammered the ball home before luckless Tim could get back. He probably wished he had stayed in bed as Steve Waywell vented his fury.

Hyde continued to have all the play but just couldn’t find the killer touch and right at the death, Andy Shields looking miles offside, added an undeserved second. It just wasn’t Hyde’s day. Steven Clegg, playing his last league game, had a superb match and marked danger man Roy Stammer out of the game. On this performance he will be sorely missed. Everybody at the club wishes him well on his World tour.

Three defeats in a row and no goals scored, but talk of crisis is premature. With players now coming back from injury and no league game until the end of the month, the Tigers have plenty of time to regroup. There were signs in this game that the early season form is returning.

Hyde – Tolson, Clegg, Gaynor, Mortimer, Lynch, O’Kane, Delaney, Salt, Milligan, Johnson, Mc Neil. Subs Barrowclough, Dean, Mullock

Farsley – Morgan, Stabb, Serrant, Shields, Iqbal, Dyson, McDaid, Rickers, Bett, Midwood, Stammer.Subs Riordan, Bernard, Smith

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

10-01-05  DROYLSDEN  2  HYDE UNITED 4  MPC  att. 246

Hyde’s assistant manager, Tony Ellis, turned back the clock and proved to be an unlikely hero as the Tigers stormed into the semi-final of the Manchester Premier Cup at Butcher’s Arms on Monday. After coming on as substitute with five minutes left of normal time, he set up a goal for Wayne Dean within a minute of his arrival to take the game into extra time and then scored a screamer eight minutes later. He still wasn’t finished as he laid on a late goal for Carl Barrowclough to stun the Droylsden faithful.

The Tigers were without six regulars as they took the field with a makeshift defence and only Dale Johnson up-front. In a pretty scrappy game, it was Droylsden who piled forward from the start with Jody Banim looking dangerous every time he touched the ball. It was he who gave Droylsden the lead on 53 minutes from the penalty spot.

This prompted Hyde to play their best football of the game with some good possession, and with Droylsden on the back foot, and the defence looking vulnerable, the Tigers sensed they could get something from the game. Five minutes after coming on, Wayne Dean, who had been unwell on the bench, converted Alex Mortimer’s cross for a deserved equaliser with just ten minutes left. But the Tigers joy was short-lived as Ian Fitzpatrick put the bloods back in front with just five minutes to go, with a swerving shot, which eluded Tim Mullock

Another Steve Waywell masterstroke and enter Tony Ellis for Dale Johnson who had run himself into the ground. The Tigers were suddenly level as Dean grabbed his second and the confidence, which had been so severely lacking in the last three games, was back. As the game went into extra time, there was only going to be one winner after a superb goal from Ellis. Although Droylsden pushed forward, the Tigers defence stood firm. The early threat of Banim had gone and by the second period, it was Hyde who looked more likely to score, which Barrowclough did with three minutes to go.

A thrilling finish and nothing less than Hyde deserved after such a storming performance on the heavy pitch.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Mortimer, Buckley, O’Kane, Delaney, Salt, Milligan, Johnson, Barrowclough. Subs Waine, Ellis, Dean, Tolson

Droylsden – Worshop, Hall, Warner, Robinson, Howson, Morris, Murphy, Brodie, Banim, Fitzpatrick, Lee. Subs Regan, Burke, Dogum, Cameron, Byrne.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

15-01-05   HYDE UNITED 3  WHITBY TOWN  3 FAT  att. 402

In a pulsating cup-tie at Ewen Fields, Hyde and Whitby shared a six goal thriller to force a replay at the seaside on Wednesday night. The game ebbed and flowed and both teams had opportunities to seal a victory, but in the end were probably both happy to finish all square.

The start was very similar to the league encounter in November as Hyde gave the visitors a two goal start. The game started sensationally as Whitby took the kick-off with the ball ultimately finding Graeme Williams on the left. His hopeful punt forward into the area evaded everybody. John O’Kane lifted his foot expecting Tim Mullock behind him, but Tim was unsighted as the ball trickled into the net after only 40 seconds. Hyde went straight downfield and as Dale Johnson turned in the area, keeper, David Campbell, pushed him to the floor. A most blatant penalty, but referee Ian Edwards, despite being well placed, ignored the Tiger’s claims. That was the start of bizarre performances from the officials who appeared to be working against each other. Mr Edwards’ idea of control was to blow his whistle longer and louder each time. It was certainly no way to get respect or control a football game.

Things got worse for the Tigers on 19 minutes as from Nicky Scaife’s free kick Scott Nicholson headed a second at the far post across the despairing Mullock. Poor marking in Hyde’s makeshift defence hadn’t helped and all looked lost at this stage. However Hyde stepped up the pace and Dale Johnson pulled one back on 31 minutes after Wayne Dean’s shot had been blocked. Five minutes later Johnson, again, and Matty McNeil had chances to level it for Hyde.

Three minutes later Graham Robinson burst through and was adjudged to have been brought down by last man John Gaynor. The tackle looked a good one, Mr Edwards thought otherwise, although his assistant who was nearer thought not, and Gaynor received a booking for his efforts and it should technically have been red, if a foul after all.

Hyde went immediately onto the offensive at the start of the second half and McNeil scored after just four minutes as he superbly headed home Phil Salt’s pinpoint cross. The Tigers continued to pressurize Whitby who were now on the back foot and Milligan skimmed the bar with a curling free kick. After 61 minutes, Neil Tolson, back after injury, but not fully fit, saw his shot deflected off a Whitby hand. Not as clear cut as the first appeal, but Milligan calmly slotted home the spot kick.

It was now Whitby who turned the screw and 11 minutes later Scott Nicholson headed a second after another disputed free kick on the left which left O’Kane with a booking. Both teams had chances to win it by the end, with Dean going close for Hyde with an overhead kick.

Hyde were left with it all to do again, but in the knowledge different officials would be in charge at Whitby.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Milligan, Gaynor, Buckley, O’Kane, Dean, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, Mc Neil.Subs Delaney, Ellis, Waine, Kielty, Jones.

Whitby – Campbell (D), Atkinson, Williams, Farthing, Linighan, Nicholson, Ormerod, Scaife, Robinson, Gill, Bishop.. Subs McTiernan, Gildea(A), Gildea(L), Johnson ,Escritt

REPORT BY TONY BEARD