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  

19-01-05  WHITBY TOWN  0  HYDE UNITED 1  FAT3r  att. 249

Neil Tolson was Hyde’s hero at the Turnbull ground on Wednesday night when his superbly taken goal nineteen minutes from time secured a 4^th Round trip to Hereford.

On a stormy night at the seaside and a difficult tacky pitch, Hyde showed great resilience despite losing Paul Jones after only 23 minutes with a reocurrance of his calf injury. Kieran Delaney was pressed into action at full back, with Chris Lynch moving over to central defence, Both had great games aided by the experienced John O’Kane.

The conditions meant there was little flowing football, but Hyde had  a game plan and it worked a treat. Playing into the gale in the first half they should have gone ahead on 30 minutes as Tolson completely missed the ball with the goal at his mercy. With the wind increasing at the start of the second half, it became more squally and less of an advantage to Hyde.

There were few chances and it was likely that one goal would settle it. Whitby with a 19 game unbeaten run behind them were never allowed to get into their rhythm, whilst Matty McNeil had another fantastic game with his phenomenal work rate. After Tolson had made his goal out of nothing, it was a backs to the wall job for the tiring Tigers, but despite a couple of close shaves, they hung on and fully deserved their victory.

It made for a pleasant journey home despite being buffeted by storm force winds across the Pennines, but nobody cared as they were already looking forward to a trip to Edgar Street at the start of Febrauary.

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

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

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

25-01-05  MATLOCK TOWN  5  HYDE UNITED 0  ULCqf  att. 201

This was as bad as the score suggests for the Tigers and they can have no complaints about their heaviest defeat since the game at Stalybridge two years ago. This was a mauling in the true sense of the word and Steve Waywell has plenty to ponder to get the Tigers back on track in the league in the persuit of Workington.

It was a difficult tacky pitch, and the officials were completely ineffective, especially in the first half, but there can be no excuses as Matlock were first to the ball everytime and completely overrun Hyde in midfield. Mass changes when Matlock grabbed their second failed to stem the tide, although Hyde did rally briefly when Matty McNeil hit the post and Neil Tolson was inches wide after a mazy run. But it was Matlock who took up the initiative again and scored three times in the last ten minutes as the Tigers capitualted.

Matlock went ahead on 18 minutes when Kris Bowler hammered home a free-kick into the top corner past a bewildered Tim Mullock and increased their lead just after half time through Ian Clarke after some poor defending. More crazy defending allowed Simon Barraclough to grab a third before Barraclough notched his second with Steve Warne completing the rout with three minutes to go.

There were more injury worries for Hyde as Phil Salt limped off in the first half after a bad tackle from behind, which went unpunished.

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

Matlock – Bowlings, Commons, Hopkins, Clarke, McNicholas, Lukic, Warne, White, Taylor, Barraclough, Bowler. Subs Webster, Brown, Bostock.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

29-01-05  BAMBER BRIDGE 0  HYDE UNITED 4  UNI  att. 251
The Tigers bounced back in emphatic style after their midweek mauling at Matlock to complete a comprehensive victory at Irongate in the Lancashire sunshine. There were problems for Hyde before kick-off with Dale Johnson arriving late and Chris Lynch breaking down in the warm up causing a quick reshuffle of the defence. The good news for the Tigers though, was the return of Nicky Hill after a four-week lay-off and he looked like he had never been away.

The pitch was firm and dry as Hyde started strongly and Johnson made up for lost time putting the ball in the net after only four minutes after it had come back off ‘keeper Andy Banks. Hyde increased their lead on twenty minutes when Jamie Milligan curled a free kick from 30 yards passed the despairing Banks. This put the Tigers in total control and they never looked back. The flowing passing game returned and Bamber were left to chase shadows for long periods of the match. They were well beaten long before the finish.

In the second half, Neil Tolson twice went close, firstly hitting the bar and then being inches wide with a toe poke before Matty McNeil superbly headed in Milligan’s pinpoint free kick.

Johnson grabbed his second with twenty minutes to go after being put through by Milligan and the help of another rebound off the ‘keeper. Amazingly it is the first time Johnson has scored more than one goal in a game. It was fully deserved as he wreaked havoc in the Bamber Bridge defence all afternoon with little protection from the referee.

The Tigers had controlled the game from start to finish and turned in a much-improved performance, which was just the right fillip for this week’s trip to Hereford, whilst at the same time keeping Workington in touching distance.

Hyde – Mullock, Delaney, Hill, Mortimer, Milligan, O’Kane, Dean, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, Mc Neil. Subs Barrowclough, Kielty, Ellis.

Bamber Bridge – Banks, J.Sheppard, Shuttleworth, Bain, Macauley, Steel, Turner, S.Sheppard, Ward, Wright, King. Subs McManus, Lancaster, Pulvino.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

05-02-05  HEREFORD 3  HYDE UNITED 0  FAT4  att. 1575

The Tigers gave their all at a cold and wet Edgar Street but were ultimately defeated by the superior skill and fitness of an impressive Hereford outfit, who looked like they could now go on and win the competition. Hyde were without Phil Salt who was suspended and Paul Jones who had failed to recover from his calf injury.

Hyde started well on the heavy pitch and had a chance in the first minute, but Matty McNeil could not get a clear sight of goal. There were few chances in the first period after that, but Hyde held their shape well and by half time would have been the happier of the two teams.

It was important for Hyde not to concede early in the second half but they succumbed to a killer goal just three minutes after the restart as Tamika Mkandawire  flicked on, and the ball crept past Tim Mullock at his near post. Hyde then played their best football of the game and were still in the match when John O’Kane was disposed in midfield and a flowing move allowed Daniel Carey Bertram to add a second. Rob Purdie added a third, minutes later, as Mullock could only parry Bertram’s shot. Hereford were now on the rampage like their bull mascot as they had certainly stepped up the tempo after the break and were ultimately too good for the hard working Tigers. In the last quarter of the game their full time training came to the fore.

Although Hyde battled to the end they could not find a consolation goal, despite some close shaves, but they were far from embarrassed with some excellent individual performances. Dale Johnson was impressive, especially in the first half, John Gaynor covered every inch of the pitch, whilst Nicky Hill and Kieran Delaney were sound at the back Defeated but not disgraced and some kind compliments from the Hereford boss, Graham Turner, who felt Hyde had given them a good game.

The news of losses for Workington and Whitby added a little cheer on the way home for the travelling Tigers’ fans and showed there is still plenty to play for in the championship. It may be a cliché, but there is a long way to go before the fat lady sings.

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

Hereford – Mawson, Travis, James, Williams, Pitman, Purdie, Carey Bertram, Stanley, Mkandawire, Robinson, Anyinsah. Subs Smith, Scott, Green, Brown, Hyde.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

08-02-05  WAKEFIELD - EMLEY 3  HYDE UNITED 3  UNI  att. 167

A superb hat trick from Dale Johnson secured a point for the Tigers in a game where they twice trailed by two goals despite having plenty of possession. It was once again defensive frailties, which gave Hyde an uphill task in a game they should have won by some margin. Having said that they were two goals down with just ten minutes left and to get a point showed the true spirit in the side.

Hyde, who had new signing Gerry Harrison on the bench, started well and had a couple of early chances, before Wakefield took the lead on 12 minutes with their first attack. Kieran Delaney headed against his own crossbar and leading scorer, Adam Muller was on hand to score the rebound. Five minutes later, Hyde were two down as Lennie Curtis lashed the ball home from the edge of the area after more defensive mayhem. Whilst Hyde started to have some controlled possession and create some chances of their own, Wakefield looked like they would score with every attack.

In the second half, Hyde started strongly and pulled one back as Johnson scored from close range after 53 minutes, but all their hard work was no avail as a minute later more comedy in the Hyde defence allowed Rob Pell to give Wakefield a two goal cushion again.

Wayne Dean and Wayne Barrowclough were introduced and slowly but surely the Tigers clawed their way back with some excellent football prompted by Phil Salt from Midfield and aided by John Gaynor’s phenomenal work rate. With Johnson causing havoc in the Wakefield defence every time he got the ball, Hyde scented there might be something for them in the game.

With just 10 minutes left Johnson grabbed his second and a minute later headed in at the far post to bring Hyde level in  game, which had seemed long gone. A couple more half chances and the Tigers could have clinched an unlikely victory. Hyde are desperately missing Paul Jones at the back and may have to sign a replacement to keep Workington in check.

The fans were happy by the finish but it had been a tortuous ninety minutes, but the night really belonged to Johnson as he built on his first brace last week to score his first hat trick with a brilliant all round performance.

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

Wakefield-Emley – Cuss, Tonks, Staniforth, Tansley, Wood, Curtis, Wright, Fox, Pell, Muller, Kenworthy. Subs Jones, Benn, Lindley.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

12-02-05  HYDE UNITED 1 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC 1  UNI  att. 382

On a stormy day at Ewen Fields, Hyde failed to overcome bogey team, Frickley Athletic. On paper, the Tigers should have secured three points, but the heavy pitch and a gusty swirling wind made life difficult for both teams. In addition Hyde gave home debuts to no less than four players and although they all made good starts, it will obviously take a little time for them to bed in.

Hyde started strongly and took the lead on seven minutes when a long cross from Alex Mortimer found Chris Lynch on the right and his cross-cum shot finished in the net. Two minutes later a great run from Dale Johnson set up Neil Tolson but his shot cannoned off the legs of Gary Ingham in the Frickley goal. Nicky hill was inched wide seconds later, but this was the last clear cut chance for Hyde as although they had plenty of good possession, they never really looked like scoring again.

Frickley slowly clawed their way back into the game and scored an equaliser on 38 minutes through Leroy Chambers. A long cross field ball found Chambers on the edge of the area and he easily found the net past an onrushing Tim Mullock.

For the rest of the game it was basically cat and mouse and as the conditions worsened the game fizzled out with neither ‘keeper being called upon beyond the call of duty. This was certainly two points lost for Hyde, but Frickley did show glimpses of why they had gone six games unbeaten.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Hill, Adams, Gaynor, O’Kane, Eastwood, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, Mortimer. Subs Harrison, Dean, McNeil.

Frickley – Ingham, Robinson, Selby, Woolford, Kennedy, Lindley, Pugh, Ashley, Collins, Chambers, Evans. Subs Nazha, Russell, Foley.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

14-02-05  ASHTON UTD 3  HYDE UNITED 4 MPC semi final  att. 197

This was a game, which had everything, and in the end Hyde made hard work of progressing through to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup. Ashton were under new management for the game, well would have been if Paul Futcher hadn’t been on holiday. Whilst on the other hand, Steve Waywell must have been tearing his hair out as the Tigers frittered away a comfortable two goal half time lead and found themselves a goal behind with just twelve minutes left. However the resilience we have seen in recent games again came to the fore as Wayne Dean grabbed an equaliser with just seven minutes left to take the game into extra time. The alarming thing for Hyde is that they have conceded nine goals in the last three 3 away games, most of them through sloppy defending.

There was no sign of the excitement to come as Jamie Milligan put Hyde in front on 11 minutes when his curling free kick was juggled over the line by Danny Trueman. The ball was then changed twice in as many minutes before Neil Tolson put Hyde two up with an exquisite finish after a superb Milligan cross. A floodlight failure on one of the pylons suggested the well-documented floodlight problem at Hurst Cross still hasn’t been resolved, but the referee agreed the match could continue.

By half time, the tigers were cruising but that soon evaporated as impressive winger, Nick Clee headed in within three minutes of the restart and then Dean Johnson flicked in a near post header to level the tie seven minutes later. It was now end-to-end stuff and Dale Johnson could have put Hyde in front after a great link up with Tolson. A minute later another Ashton corner and Andy Thackeray was on hand to lash the ball home. Hyde were not disheartened and stormed forward and after another good move, Wayne Dean equalised with just seven minutes left. Still time for Johnson to hit a post for Hyde before the ninety minutes were up.

Hyde were always on top in extra time and the all important goal came after seven minutes when John Gaynor was up-ended in the box and Jamie Milligan stroked home the penalty. In fact Hyde should have had a penalty in the first minute of the game as Tolson was brought down in the box, but the referee, who was erratic throughout, gave a goal kick.

In the second period of extra time, Phil salt replaced Milligan to add some stability to the Tigers midfield. Tolson could have clinched another but was dispossessed as he tried to round Trueman rather than shoot. Perhaps it was the white boots? He was ultimately replaced by Paul Jones, but he had played well and seemed to have his confidence back. A few more chances as Hyde finished strongly to progress to the final, Whilst Futcher would seem to have plenty to do to get Ashton out of trouble.

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

Ashton – Trueman, Thackeray, Carty, Johnson, White, Royle, Fleury, Allison, Hardy, Garvey, Clee.Subs O’Leary Jones, Connor, Cooney, Carden, Dolan.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

19-02-05   HYDE UNITED 2 BRIDLINGTON TOWN 1 UNI  att. 273

Hyde made terribly hard work of beating relegation threatened Bridlington Town on Saturday and in the end were indebted to Tim Mullock who pulled off two excellent saves late in the game. Bridlington were a pale shadow of the team which visited Ewen Fields last Easter and gave the Tigers such a tough game. In the end three points were secured and with the news that Workington had slipped up at home, the performance will be soon forgotten. As Steve Waywell said before the game, “ it’s just a matter of winning and keeping the pressure on the teams above us now”. And so it proved.

The Tigers were without the suspended Wayne Dean, whilst Paul Jones, Kieran Delaney and Nicky Hill were unavailable, but they should still have had enough quality in the side to kill the game, especially after the tonic of an early goal.

After only seven minutes Neil Tolson and Matty McNeil linked up to allow Dale Johnson to give Hyde the lead and it then seemed plain sailing and how many goals the Tigers could get. Some flowing football followed for a while, but Hyde seemed to lose their way. Chances were missed,  and ultimately the home side lost their grip and allowed Bridlington back into the game. Even when McNeil added a second after great play from Johnson, Hyde were still not in total control and when Paul Palmer fired home a free-kick with ten minutes left, Hyde were left to rue all the chances they had missed. It was thankful Mullock was on top of his game as Bridlington staged a late fightback which could have severely embarrassed the home side.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Mortimer, Adams, Milligan, O’Kane, Gaynor, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, Mc Neil. Subs Barrowclough, Harrison, Eastwood.

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

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

21-02-05  HYDE UNITED 2 BAMBER BRIDGE 1 UNI  att. 232

This game was similar to Saturday’s as Hyde scored an early goal and then failed to kill off the opposition. There was added spice this time as the match only went ahead after two pitch inspections and snow before the kick-off and then again later threatened to have the final say. As it was, the weather relented long enough for Hyde to ultimately secure three points and move up to second in the league.

Hyde took the lead on 21 minutes when John O’Kane scrambled the ball home after a Jamie Milligan inswinging corner had caused all sorts of problems in the Bamber defence. Hyde should already have been in front as his two previous corners had wreaked havoc and Neil Tolson had missed when put clean through. It was all Hyde for a while as they adapted better to slippery conditions, but a half time lead of just one goal hadn’t reflected their superiority.

In the second half, Hyde sat back and allowed Bamber plenty of possession and they took full advantage by equalising on seventy minutes. A corner, after Lincoln Adams had slipped, was allowed to pass through the six yard box and Stuart Shepherd scored at the far post.

This spurred the tigers and three minutes later , Carl Barrowclough crossed, Matty McNeil headed goalwards and Dale Johnson was on hand to score from close range. A few more scares to come from the jittery Hyde defence especially when Tim Mullock allowed the ball to slip away from his grasp, but Adams atoned with a great tackle. With heavy snow falling for the last ten minutes, the Tigers held on and once again the three points were more important than the performance.

They will have to show a more consistent performance on Saturday at Workington in a match they cannot afford to lose.

Hyde – Mullock, Lynch, Mortimer, Adams, Milligan, O’Kane, Harrison, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, Mc Neil. Subs Barrowclough, Hill, Eastwood.

Bamber Bridge – Adams, Clitheroe, Shuttleworth, Steel, Macauley, Cooper, Allen, Shepherd, Ward, wright, King. Subs Richards, Shepperd, Campbell.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

26-02-05  WORKINGTON 0 HYDE UNITED 2 UNI  att. 899

Hyde made the long journey to Cumbria for this top of the table clash and came away ecstatic after securing the three points with an excellent all round performance in front of the biggest Unibond crowd of the season of 899. The victory showed the title race is far from over and with Workington having six of their last nine games away, there is plenty to play for from the chasing pack.

On a dry firm pitch at Borough Park, Hyde took the initiative from the start and slowly silenced the home crowd. They took the lead on eleven minutes when Nicky Hill headed in a Phil Salt corner. It was a double celebration for Nicky. As well as clinching his first goal of the season, it was also his birthday. Regretfully he had a recurrence of his hamstring injury and had to be replaced on sixty minutes by Alex Mortimer. The Tigers almost increased their lead after Adam Collin dropped a high swirling cross, but Neil Tolson failed to capitalise. For the rest of the half, Hyde looked comfortable apart from a few nervy back-passes, which were always dangerous with the lightening pace of Gary Cohen up front for Workington.

Although the home team had more of the ball in the second half, Tim Mullock was never really tested and it was Hyde who came closest to scoring with a Jamie Milligan free kick and a snap shot from Tolson. Substitute Steve Archibald had the ball in the net for Workington, but was rightly ruled offside.

In the closing stages, it was Hyde who were well on top and after good work from Dale Johnson – who was excellent throughout – the irrepressible Tolson was brought down by Collin. He wanted to take the penalty, but fortunately common sense prevailed as Salt sent Collin the wrong way and the Tigers were home and dry.

This was an important victory for the Tigers and showed they have the ability and application to win big games. It was an all-round team effort from the well organised Tigers and with Gerry Harrison getting better each game, there is still a good chance Hyde can catch Workington. It is now in their own hands.

Hyde – Mullock, Lunch, Hill, Adams, Milligan, O’Kane, Harrison, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, McNeil. Subs – Eastwood, Mortimer, Dean

Workington – Collin, Varty, Green, May, Gray, Henney, Galloway, Wharton, Cohen, Johnston, Eccles.Subs – Birks, Archibald, Goulding.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

05-03-05 HYDE UNITED 1  BISHOP AUCKLAND 0  UNI  att. 260

With Spennymoor’s pitch being ruled unfit on Thursday evening, this match was hastily switched to Ewen Fields to avoid fixture backlogs later in the season. Hyde secured another three points in their pursuit of Workington to narrow the gap to just seven points, but it was not without cost as Neil Tolson received a straight red after just 14 minutes, and will now miss three games.

In a scrappy opening a couple of nasty challenges went unpunished before Tolson appeared to use his elbow and the referee, well placed, had no hesitation in pointing to the dressing room. Not greatly malicious and no blood spilt, but technically correct. It was the usual kiss of death as Hyde had won the fair play award for February!

The Tigers knew they were now up against it against a strong uncompromising side that had set their stall out for a draw from the start. However with Tolson still in the shower, a Jamie Milligan free kick was spilt by Simon Corbett and Matty McNeil scored from a tight angle.

After that the match was instantly forgettable. Bishop’s took advantage of their extra man and pushed Hyde further and further back, especially in the second half with the wind and sleet at their back. However the Tigers defence stood firm as the pressure increased. By the end there were some very tired legs and late on Wayne Dean, McNeil and Phil Salt could have added a second to ease the tension, but the match went to the wire as Hyde hung on by the skin of their teeth.

It is results that count from now on and not for the first time, Hyde showed great resilience in adversity in having to play for most of the game with a man short. McNeil and Dale Johnson should be praised for their efforts up front, especially as they became isolated as the game wore on. By the end their fantastic endeavours were there for all to see, but it is Workington who are now sweating the most.

Hyde – Mullock, Lunch, Hill, Adams, Milligan, O’Kane, Harrison, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, McNeil.Subs – Eastwood, Mortimer, Dean

Bishop Auckland – Corbett, Coulthard Foster, Bell, Hall, Wilkinson, Robson, Salvin, Sheeran, Woodhouse, Morgan. Subs – Collins, Taylor, Ward.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

02-03-05  BLYTH SPARTANS 0  HYDE UNITED 2 UNI  att. 301

Trips to the North East are often difficult and scrappy and this proved to be no exception as Hyde were made to battle all the way to secure the three points in the hostile environment of Croft Park. Hyde’s last visit was two years ago for Steve Waywell’s first match in charge. He secured a two goal victory then, and he did the same on Saturday.

The Tigers were without Dale Johnson and Gerry Harrison, but welcomed back John Gaynor from suspension. Paul Jones made his long awaited return on the bench.

In a poor first half Hyde held their own on the bumpy pitch facing a strong wind, although Scott Bell could have given Blyth the lead when he headed wide from inside the six-yard box. Tim Mullock made a couple of smart saves whilst Jamie Milligan went closest at the other end.

All the action came in the second half, some of it regretfully unpleasant at the end, as Chris McCabe was sent off for the home side after taking a swipe at Wayne Dean and other Blyth players were lucky not to follow, as the referee was surrounded and jostled. By then, the Tigers were home and dry and happy just to watch as Blyth lost their cool in front of their partisan faithful.

Matty McNeil had headed Hyde in front from a cross by man of the match Chris Lynch on 55 minutes and Carl Barrowclough sealed the victory eight minutes from time after Neil Tolson had flicked on. In between Hyde had defended resolutely and Mullock was in top form when Blyth penetrated the Tigers rearguard.

Once again Hyde had showed what it takes in a difficult game and must now be taken as serious title contenders after five wins and a draw in the last six games.

Hyde – Mullock, Lunch, Hill, Adams, Milligan, O’Kane, Gaynor, Salt, Tolson, Barrowclough, McNeil.Subs – Jones, Mortimer, Dean

Blyth – Turns, Williams, leeson, Snowdon, Forster, Price, Crawford, McCabe, Bell, Shoulder, Lowther.Subs – Crutwell, Feace, Ankers.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD