LEAGUE SEASON 2005 - 06

FAC = F.A. Cup, FAT = F.A.Trophy, MPC = Manchester Premier Cup, CSC = Cheshire Senior Cup, 
  qr = Qualifying Round,  qf =Quarter Final sf =Semi Final  # = Sent OFF

If the FA Cup tie with Barrow the previous week had been a hard pill for the Tigers’ faithful to swallow, this match was actually worse. Hyde were two goals up inside half an hour as well as creating a hatful of chances and one off the line. It just seemed how many the Tigers would score. Lancaster were in disarray. Problems at the club had reduced the playing staff so only four substitutes were named and when Iain Swann was carried off after 20 minutes, the future looked bleak.

Hyde had taken the lead on ten minutes when Matty McNeil chased a back pass and Tony McMillan in the Lancaster goal made a hash of it and Matty stroked the ball home. Dale Johnson added another on the half hour after linking up with the superb McNeil. Paul Jones had a header of the line and the visitors had been on the backfoot throughout. That was until a minute before half time when Nicky Hill misshit a needless backpass and the sharp Ryan Black nipped in to score.

The Tigers stormed forward at the start of the second half and Johnson hit the post after Phil Salt’s shot had been deflected, but seconds later Lancaster had a rare attack and Black grabbed his second. Hyde were stunned but within ten minutes the Tigers had struck the bar, so it still looked like the Tigers would go on and win. Neil Tolson was introduced for the first time this season and he soon had a header cleared off the line.

However as in previous games, Hyde faded in the last quarter and suddenly Lancaster, who had looked decidedly average, started to believe in themselves. It was now Hyde in disarray as Nick Rogan, an impressive substitute, pounced on a Danny Caldecott error to put Lancaster in front with seven minutes remaining and it was him again who again punished the luckless defender to add another deep into injury time to give the match a surreal final score.

Lancaster had created virtually nothing and basically had only a handful of attacks, but finished up with four goals, whilst Hyde had the majority of play, created chance after chance, but finished with two goals less. Plenty for Steve Waywell to contemplate with ten goals conceded in the last four home league games. The composure of John O’Kane is being sorely missed but the defence is constantly under pressure with the Hyde midfield unable to take a stranglehold on the game. With just one victory in ten league games, the alarm bells are ringing.

Hyde United            Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Milligan, Hill, Brackenridge, Salt, Armstrong, Johnson, McNeil Subs Dean, Lynch, Dudley, Tolson, Ndjebayi.

Lancaster  McMillan, Eckersley, Scott, McMahon, Swann, Bond, Bauress, Morris, Taylor, Black, Elderton.Subs     Rogan, Uberschur, Howson, Shaw.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

18-10-05  HYDE UNITED 2  DROYLSDEN 2  LGE att.633

After Saturday’s debacle, Hyde bounced back in the best possible way with a storming performance in this thrilling Tameside derby. By the end they were probably unlucky not to take all three points having a goal disallowed with just six minutes to go by a sharp-eyed linesman.

Hyde recalled Paul Armstrong and Chris Lynch and gave Neil Tolson his first start up front replacing the injured Dale Johnson. The match started quietly with no sign of the excitement to come until Steve Brodie lashed in a shot from fully thirty yards that went through Mark Westhead, hit the bar and rebounded off the stranded ‘keeper into the net.

The Tigers fought back strongly and on forty minutes, Neil Tolson rounded Paul Phillips, but his shot was bundled away. Craig Robinson was hurt in the process and replaced immediately after the interval. Hyde took full advantage with two goals in two minutes immediately thereafter. First Nicky Clee set up the irrepressible Tolson for the first and Matty McNeil, again superb throughout, pounced on a defensive error to put Hyde in front in a dramatic turnaround.

The reorganised Bloods came back strongly and equalised on 73 minutes through a long range free kick from Kevin Rapley. The ball went past the wall and past a bewildered Westhead into the corner of the net. Another poor goal to give away for Hyde’s beleaguered defence, which had performed much better on the night than recently.

There was no lying down this time from the Tigers and McNeil headed home a Steve Brackenridge cross only for the latter to be adjudged offside in a very tight decision. Minutes later Phillips carried the ball out of the area, which the assistant saw and duly flagged. Referee Mr Unsworth surprised everybody by awarding Droylsden a free-kick and booking Wayne Dean, who had replaced a tiring Tolson. A decision which astonished the bumper crowd of 633. The Gods were definitely looking after Phillips as he had caught the ball a yard outside of the area in the first half, which the referee had failed to see.

A much improved performance from the Tigers which took them three places up the table, albeit temporarily, with a full league programme midweek. Something to build on for Saturday’s visit of Worksop.

Hyde United            Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Milligan, Armstrong, Lynch, Salt, Tolson, Clee, McNeil Subs Dean, Dudley, Pearson, Brackenridge, Ndjebayi.

Droylsden  Phillips, Williams, Warner, Sturdy, Robinson, Brodie, Fitzpatrick, Morris, Fearns, Rapley, Talbot. Subs            Cameron, Hall, Murphy, Byrne, Carey.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

Hyde’s inability to hold onto a lead was again evident on Saturday as they conceded yet another late goal after dominating the game until the last quarter. That makes it at least six games where points have been lost in the last ten minutes.

This was a scrappy game and not helped by a zealous referee who collected five names in his notebook when there was scarcely a tackle of note. Although being hampered by injuries to key players in the game, Hyde should have consolidated on their lead and gone on to win the game, but instead they sat back and in the end paid the ultimate price.

The first half was predominately Hyde. Chris Lynch gave the midfield strength and impetus, which the forwards caused all sorts of problems for the Worksop defence. After they took the lead on 30 minutes when Lincoln Adams glanced home Jamie Milligan’s inch perfect free-kick, they failed to capitalise primarily by being reluctant to shoot in the wet conditions which made goalkeeping a treacherous occupation.

In the second half, the Tigers received a wake–up call on 54 minutes when Ben Saunders headed against the outside of the post, but they stormed forward and after brilliant play from Dale Johnson, Matty McNeil brought a stunning close range save from Adam Sollitt. Johnson had been superb despite being injured early on before he was replaced on sixty four minutes.

With Johnson gone, there was nobody to keep the Worksop defence occupied and so they pushed forward and exerted plenty of pressure on the overworked Hyde defence. Two more injuries caused more reorganisation for Hyde but just as they looked like they would hold out, substitute Richard Carrington scored from inside the six yard box from a cross either Mark Westhead or his defenders should have dealt with.

A succession of Worksop corners into injury time put the Tigers under even more pressure as they almost finished with nothing in yet another game they should have won comfortably. With only one league victory in 12 outings, the pressure is mounting.

Hyde United            Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Milligan, Armstrong, Lynch, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, McNeil Subs Dean, Dudley, Pearson, Brackenridge, Clee.

Worksop  Sollitt, Nicholson, Davies, Thorpe, Miller, Simpkins, Oldham, Dempsey, Morris, Saunders, Norton. Subs     Wilson, Hurst, Jackson, Carrington, Robinson.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

This was a dire performance from the Tigers. From the very first minute Hyde were poor and were never really in the game, despite having a strong wind behind them in the first half. Only Matty McNeil and substitute Steve Brackenridge can take any credit from a most inept performance, which leaves the Tigers plenty to do if they wish to climb away from the relegation zone.

Redditch arrived at Ewen Fields on the back of a 6-3 thrashing at home by Workington and the Manager’s resignation in the Chairman’s pocket. They had reacted quickly and gave debuts to defender Scott Dann and striker Jermaine Clarke. Clarke, signed from Evesham United, was a revelation winning everything in the air and running the Tigers ragged all afternoon. Paul Jones and Lincoln Adams could find no answer.

Hyde welcomed back John Gaynor from injury but he looked well off the pace and Redditch took full advantage. They took the lead on 17 minutes when Craig Wilding scored from a tight angle past the despairing Mark Westhead. They increased their lead on 30 minutes when Sean Flynn nipped in to score with Westhead and his co-defenders rooted to the spot. A desperate goal to give away.

Jamie Milligan went close with a twice taken free –kick, but he was immediately substituted as Steve Waywell showed his frustration with the midfielders, who had failed to make any impact whatsoever. Nicky Clee came on and McNeil went into midfield to combat the aerial strength of the Redditch strikers.

The second half promised some hope with a reorganised team but that fell apart within two minutes as Simon Hollis chipped a superb goal with the Tigers defence again found wanting. Phil Salt, struggling to find his form, immediately limped off. Steve Brackenridge came on and immediately pulled one back with a well-taken goal. The possibility of a Tigers fight-back loomed, but not a chance as Clarke continued to wreak havoc at the back every time he touched the ball. Near the end Mc Neil had a goal disallowed for offside and Adams had a header off the line, but it was too little, too late and on the day, Hyde were well beaten by a team that started the game below them.

The alarm bells are ringing and changes are required without delay to halt the slide that has seen Hyde take just two points from four consecutive home games. Saturday’s game at Gainsborough all of a sudden takes on massive importance as they are the only side Hyde have beaten in the League this season.

Hyde United            Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Milligan, Gaynor, Lynch, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, McNeil Subs Dean, Harrison, Pearson, Brackenridge, Clee.

Redditch United  Solly, Flynn, Charlton, Pearce, Dann, Taylor, Hollis, King, Clarke, Wilding, Rickards. Subs            Creighton, Scheppel, Doyle, Moore.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

Hyde secured their first win in eight games at Abbey Hey on Tuesday and progressed to a second round tie at Curzon in January. This was a poor game on a difficult pitch, but in their current form, it is the result that counts, but nevertheless the Tigers did it the hard way.

First half misses by Dale Johnson and Neil Tolson set the tone as the impressive Joe Molloy in the Abbey Hey goal saved everything which came his way. After 65 minutes he felled Johnson as Dale headed for goal. A clear penalty and obvious red card, but the card stayed in the referee’s pocket and Molloy promptly parried away Jamie Milligan’s kick to rub salt in the wounds.

The Tigers eventually took the lead on seventy minutes when Johnson pursued a long ball. Goalkeeper and defender collided and he was left with the simple task of tapping into an empty net. Hyde, at last, started to exert some sustained pressure and ten minutes later, Matty McNeil scrambled the ball home after Tolson had hit the bar.

Substitute Chris Wilcock grabbed a consolation for Abbey in injury time, but Hyde had a win at last, which will hopefully give an element of confidence for Saturday’s visit to Gainsborough.. However John Gaynor and Nicky Clee both limped off to add to Steve Waywell’s woes.

Hyde United   Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Clee, Gaynor, Lynch, Dean, Tolson, Johnson, McNeil Subs Harrison ( for Gaynor), Pearson, Brackenridge ( for Clee), Milligan ( for Dean).

Abbey Hey  Molloy, Jones, Watson R., Watson A., Ryan, Simpson, Broklehurst, Carroll, Moore, Bailey. Cahill.  Subs  Wilcock, Ruddy, Baird, Kennedy, Lomas.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

Hyde wish they could play Gainsborough every week. The first double of the season, indeed the only two wins, and two clean sheets as well!

The first half was a bit of a damp squib compared to what was to follow later. Hyde welcomed back Gerry Harrison to midfield and gave a debut to new guy, Carlos Meakin. And what a debut! He ignited the midfield from start to finish and gave the Tigers much needed impetus. Harrison, too, showed what we have been missing with a determined performance and was unlucky not to score with two rocket shots. Neil Tolson was also unlucky as his goal bound shot struck Dale Johnson. He claimed the goal nevertheless!

Dale limped off at the start of the second half to be replaced by Steve Brackenridge who began to make some sparkling runs down the right, as Hyde stepped up the pressure. Jamie Milligan went close with a swerving free kick before the fireworks really began as Hyde snatched three goals in eight minutes and then contrived to miss many more as Gainsborough collapsed under the pressure.

Tolson grabbed the first on 65 minutes after Matty McNeil’s shot had ricocheted around the area. Five minutes later Milligan slotted home with his right foot and then Lincoln Adams grabbed the third as Brackenridge’s shot went in off his head. The Tigers could have had more as Jamie Holmshaw was forced into a number of good saves.

It was a firecracker of a display in the second half and what the Tigers’ faithful had been waiting for since the start of the season. Hopefully Hyde can build on this and re-ignite their season. It will help when all the injuries are cleared up. On the day Hyde had just 14 fit players, but they did them proud

Hyde United            Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Milligan, Meakin, Harrison, Lynch, Tolson, Johnson, McNeilSubs Dean, Pearson, Brackenridge, Ellis, Gaynor.

Gainsborough  Holmshaw, Parker, Caudwell, Ellis, Pell, Higgins, Wood, Needham, Smith,Rowan, Sherlock. Subs     Trout, Steadman, Hindley, Reeves, Charles.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

Ewen Fields is certainly the place to go if you want goals. In twelve games there have been a staggering 47, but the opposition has unfortunately, scored more than half of them. Saturday ‘s game followed the usual pattern – plenty of goals and the Tigers throwing away a two-goal lead. Hyde could claim they had five players out through injury, but they should still have won at a canter.

Hyde had Mike Flynn, on loan from Accrington Stanley, making his debut in a bid to shore up the shaky defence and although he did everything you could ask of him, the Tigers still contrived to give away three goals against a mediocre Leigh side low on confidence and without a win since August.

All started okay for Hyde as Neil Tolson pressurized a nervous John Lamb in the Leigh goal. The ‘keeper let the ball squirm out of his grasp and Tolse had the simple task of side-footing into an empty net. However Leigh were back within five minutes when Man of the Match Chris Simm scored with the help of a deflection. Mark Westhead was forced into a couple of smart saves, before Hyde regained the lead through Matty McNeil. He was through on goal as he was hauled down. The only decision for the Officials was a red or yellow card for the errant defender. After a long discussion no card was produced and one could only guess they couldn’t decide ‘who dunnit’. Justice was done as Matty glanced home Jamie Milligan’s resultant inch perfect free kick.

The Tigers increased their lead on 64 minutes when the persevering McNeil got to the by line and squared across for Tolson to score a simple goal. Hyde’s joy was short-lived however as Leigh pulled one back within a minute. Ryan McDowell was completely unmarked as he hammered the ball home with the Hyde defence in disarray claiming for offside.

As in previous home games, Hyde lost the plot and allowed the visitors to dominate play and it was no surprise when Leigh equalised with ten minutes to go. Simm received the ball midway inside Hyde’s half and ran for goal leaving defenders in his wake before he lashed an unstoppable shot into the net. No dispute this time and Hyde were lucky to survive another couple of close shaves as their game fell apart.

With only seven points out of a possible 27 at home, it shows where the problem lies for the Tigers, especially after two years of it being a fortress at Ewen Fields. More games like this and it will cost them dear.

Hyde United            Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Meakin, Flynn, Lynch, Harrison, Brackenridge, Tolson, Milligan, McNeil Subs Dean, Pearson, Salt, Jones, Armstrong.

Leigh Lamb, Atherton, roscoe, McDowell, Coyne, Brockley, Drew, Smith S, Smith N, Simm, Taylor. Subs     Dunne, Stoker, Mann, Settle, Ashmore.

Hyde went out of the Unibond Cheshire Senior Cup at Ewen Fields on Monday in a dramatic penalty shoot-out after the sides had failed to find the net after 120 minutes of football.

However how the Tigers had failed to score left the sparse crowd bewildered. Time after time Hyde carved open the Witton defence only to squander the chance. Neil Tolson was the chief culprit, who on another night could easily have had a double hat-trick whilst Matty McNeil had one off the line as well as striking a post. Hyde had at least 15 corners but failed to capitalise despite Witton losing David Ness after only 3 minutes. The game should have been over within half an hour, but slowly Witton clawed their way back into the game and Mark Westhead had to be at his best in the later stages to keep them at bay.

Hyde can point to the fact they still had five players sidelined through injury and lost Gerry Harrison and Lincoln Adams during the game, as well as new signings Mark Flynn and Carlos Meakin being ineligible, but that is no excuse, as on the night they should have won at a canter against a young Albion side.

So it came to penalties and Jamie Milligan blasted his first miles over the bar, Phil Salt scored with his, but then Chris Lynch and Danny Caldecott both had theirs saved. Witton converted their first three and it was all over and Hyde were sensationally out. The choice of penalty takers seemed strange, but the result always looked inevitable after the chances Hyde had missed during normal time

Hyde United            Westhead, Adams, Caldecott, Jones, Milligan, Lynch, Harrison, Salt, Tolson, Brackenridge, McNeil Subs Dean, Pearson, Armstrong.

Witton  Kennedy, King, Ness, Hughes, Spearritt, Jones, Connors, McGuire, Moseley, Jones, Peers.Subs     Bailey, Williams, Hurst

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

The injury ravaged Tigers put up an excellent display at the well-appointed Marston Stadium and looked likely winners until Hinckley snatched two goals in the last two minutes to send Hyde to an underserved defeat on a bitterly cold afternoon.

The turning point of the game was on 83 minutes when Neil Tolson was through but screwed his shot wide. A second goal then would have killed the game dead. Seconds earlier Wayne Dean had struck the ‘keeper’s legs and there were other chances too after Gerry Harrison had come off the bench to hammer Hyde in front with just his second touch on seventy nine minutes.

Hyde started the game without seven regulars but gave a debut to on-loan signing James Barrow at full back. Further problems occurred as Steve Brackenridge had to be withdrawn through injury at half-time, but they were quickly in their stride with Tolson and Matty Mc Neil causing problems for the Hinckley defence. All square at half-time was just about right, but it was the Tigers who stepped up the pace after the break and it was no surprise when Hyde went in front. Once again though it was the inability to hold onto a lead, which cost them dear.

With just two minutes left Brad Piercewright hammered a screamer, which went in off a post and then right at the death, substitute Sam Shilton headed an unlikely winner for the home side. It was desperately cruel on the Tigers, who had played well throughout, but it once again showed what a thin line it is between success and failure. The alarm bells are ringing and getting gradually louder as Hyde continue to fail to kill teams off when well on top.

Hyde United            Westhead, Barrow, Lynch, Jones, Flynn, Meakin, Brackenridge, Salt, Tolson, Milligan, McNeil Subs Dean, Pearson, Armstrong, Harrison, Ellis.

Hinckley   Haystead, Cartwright, Lenton, Lavery, Heeley, Piercewright, Storer, Jackson, McGregor, Cluzel, Colkin. Subs     Story, Bonar, Brown, Shilton, Platnauer.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

Hat trick hero Neil Prince swept Stalybridge into the next round of the FA Trophy with three goals in an eight-minute spell midway through the first half. Hyde had no answer to the former England Youth player and he led them a merry dance all afternoon.

For Hyde this was certainly a game to forget. Only Matty McNeil and Chris Lynch can take any pride from their performances. You would have expected passion and commitment from the Tigers in their biggest game of the season against their local rivals. But there was none. The midfield, Lynch apart, was non existent which resulted in the forwards getting no service and the defence constantly under pressure, but there can be no excuses as for once Hyde had basically a full squad, John O’Kane apart, to pick from.

All started so well for Hyde with the Tigers on top for the first fifteen minutes. Neil Tolson and Phil Salt both went close before Prince grabbed his first. His second was a great strike from outside the box, whilst his third was an exquisite lob and it was game over.

Hyde never looked liked staging a recovery despite replacing Carlos Meakin with Nicky Clee. Any flicker of hope was extinguished with six minutes after the restart as Lee Ellington shot home after good work from the irrepressible Prince. Ellington grabbed another eleven minutes later as it became more and more embarrassing for Hyde. Memories of the last competitive game when Hyde lost 6-0 at Bower Fold came flooding back, but Mark Westhead produced a number of good saves to keep the rampant Celtic forwards at bay, despite the loss of Jody Banim with a knee injury.

As Celtic eased off, Hyde began to exert some pressure in the final few minutes but Mark Pettinger, who had handled well throughout, made a series of good saves before Lynch won a 50/50 ball to snatch a consolation goal for the Tigers. Pettinger was injured in the process and sadly left the field on a stretcher with a potential serious ankle injury. Paul Sykes took over in goal, but it was too little too late for the Tigers.

Stalybridge march on to the next round, whilst Steve Waywell is left to pick up the pieces from an abject display which clearly upset the Hyde faithful. Waywell was at pains to apologise for his team’s performance after the game, but realises he has plenty to do to keep the team in Conference North this season if this performance was anything to go off.

Hyde United            Westhead, Barrow, Caldecott, Jones, Flynn, Meakin, Lynch, Salt, Tolson, Johnson, McNeil Subs Dean, Clee, Adams, Harrison, Brackenridge.

Stalybridge   Pettinger, Keeling, Bernard, Kilbane, Haran, price, Garvey, Sykes, Ellington, Banim, Prince. Subs            Eastwood, Smith, Black, Oates, Buxton.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

03-12-05  HYDE UNITED 4 HEDNESFORD TOWN 2  LGE att.354

Another bagful of goals at Ewen Fields and a couple of presents in the form of giveaway goals, but nevertheless the Tigers bounced back after last week’s mauling and showed they can compete at this level after all. Hyde battled from the first minute to the last and this week nobody shirked their responsibilities.

Steve Waywell rung the changes with Paul Jones left out altogether, and Neil Tolson, Danny Caldecott, and Carlos Meakin all relegated to the bench. MarkWesthead was ruled out with cartilage trouble and Phil Salt was also missing after he had informed the club he needed a break from football.

Jean Paul Ndjebayi took over in goal and he was forced to make two superb saves early on as Hyde, as ever, started sluggishly. Hednesford looked strong on the break with Colin Hunter a serious threat on the left wing. He went onto give young James Barrow a torrid time before Chris Lynch swapped flanks to add some extra strength to an overworked defence.

Hyde took the lead on twenty minutes after a sweet move, which resulted in Gerry Harrison slotting home. Confidence was seen to grow but a second goal eluded them and it was the dangerous Hunter who hammered home an equaliser after some bizarre defending just four minutes before the break.

However two minutes later, Dale Johnson put Hyde in front again with a cool finish. The Tigers’ joy was shortlived, however, as Rob Heath scored within five minutes of the restart after some more sloppy defending. Hyde were suddenly on the back foot and needed Ndjebayi to be at his best as he made a series of good saves to keep Hednesford at bay as they stepped up the pace.

The game swung on 58 minutes when debutant, Nathan Wharton, scored with an absolute screamer to put Hyde back in front. He could have had another minutes later as a free kick just drifted wide with the ‘keeper beaten. There was still time for plenty of anxious moments but Mike Flynn, who had his best game for Hyde, stood firm and with Jean Paul behind him looking assured, the possibility of a rare victory loomed large. A few more close shaves before Hyde broke clear in the dying minutes and Johnson grabbed his second to give Hyde a fully deserved victory and to move them three places up the table.

It shows how tight it is in the Conference North basement, but more performances like this and Hyde will begin to see some daylight between them and the trapdoor.

Hyde United            Ndjebayi, Barrow, Lynch, Wharton, Flynn, Adams, Brackenridge, Harrison, Clee, Johnson, McNeil Subs Dean, Caldecott, Meakin, Tolson, Armstrong.

Hednesford   Solly, Adams, Branch, Marshall, Teesdale, Williams, Scheppel, Heath, Bell, Brindley, Hunter. Subs            McMahon, Brannan, Marshall, Harvey, Molloy.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD



06-12-05  VAUXHALL MOTORS 0  HYDE UNITED 2 LGE att.188

Hyde were soon into gear against Vauxhall and never took their foot off the pedal as they made it two wins in a row to move a couple more places up the table. Only 188 turned up to watch and probably wished they hadn’t, unless you came from Hyde. The game was dire, but another three points from a workmanlike performance is what really matters.

Jean Paul Ndjebayi had another confident game in goal but the back four in front of him protected him well as Vauxhall didn’t really create a meaningful chance. The Tigers battled for every ball and never let Vauxhall settle. Man of the match for Hyde was Wayne Dean and he capped a great performance when he hammered the ball home on 60 minutes for Hyde’s second goal. The Tigers had taken the lead on 30 minutes when Nathan Wharton scored another stunning goal. This time from a free-kick about 25 yards out. He also supplied the cross for Hyde’s second and is looking to be a good signing. 

Hyde looked confident throughout, despite the bumpy pitch, and chased and harried for every ball. Nicky Clee missed a good chance in the first half, whilst Matty McNeil and Dale Johnson both had chances to increase Hyde’s lead in the second. This was definitely a match to forget, but not the three points, which came with it. 

Hyde United            Ndjebayi, Adams, Armstrong, Jones, Flynn, Wharton, Dean, Harrison, Clee, Johnson, McNeil Subs Barrow, Caldecott, Tolson, Meakin, Ellis.

Vauxhall   Dittmer, Duffy, Butler, Willis, McNulty, Brazier, Moogan, Lawton, Rooney, Olsen, Smyth. Subs            O’Donnell, Garrity, McDermott, Sissoko, Noone.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

Although Moor Green started brightly, it was the Tigers who had most of the first half play and the home side were indebted to ‘keeper Daniel Gray who made a number of good saves. However disaster struck for Hyde three minutes before half-time when former Tiger Phil Trainer ran through to score.

Jean Paul Ndjebayi kept Hyde in the game at the start of the second half with a string of good saves and some excellent handling, before the Tigers started to take control. Wayne Dean, despite feeling under the weather, had another storming game on the right whilst Matty McNeil and Dale Johnson wreaked havoc in the Moor Green defence all afternoon.

Hyde equalised half way through the half when Johnson flicked on for Dean to score at the far post and just five minutes later Hyde grabbed their second. It was started and finished by the irrepressible Johnson. He picked the ball up on the half way and despite being fouled, he held off two challenges before releasing McNeil who homed in on goal, but just as Matty was about to pull the trigger, Dale lashed the ball home. It was nothing less than Hyde deserved as the game fizzled out with the Hyde defence standing firm, again expertly marshalled by Mike Flynn, who has extended his loan by another month.

The Tigers have now a springboard to build on for their tough programme over Christmas.  

Hyde United            Ndjebayi, Adams, Armstrong, Jones, Flynn, Wharton, Dean, Harrison, Clee, Johnson, McNeil Subs Barrow, Caldecott, Tolson, Lynch, Ellis.

Moor Green   Crane, Scott, Nurse, Collins, sanders, Petty, Morrison, Bridgwater, Dowdall, McPhee, Trainer. Subs            Middleton, English, Snape, Davis, Coates.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD

Hyde made it four league wins in a row, three of them away, as they beat Hucknall Town on their own patch on Saturday. It was nothing less than they deserved against last season’s FA Trophy finalists on a difficult hard pitch.

Jean Paul Ndjebayi kept Hyde in the game at the start with some good handling and smart saves, before there was an almighty scramble before Hyde hacked the ball clear. The Tigers grew in confidence as the half went on and took the lead a minute before half-time when Nathan Wharton wasn’t closed down before he lashed the ball home for his third goal in four games.

Hyde’s joy was short-lived, however, as Mark Ward equalised two minutes after the break with a shot which deceived the unlucky Ndjebayi. Hucknall pressed forward but the Hyde defence stood firm against a succession of in-swinging corners. The Tigers stepped up the pace and Nicky Clee was unlucky on sixty minutes after a superb run and shot, which James Lindlay was happy to parry away.

The Tigers had posted their intention that they were not to lie down and Dale Johnson restored the lead on 70 minutes after great work from Matty McNeil. Wayne Dean grabbed his third in as many games after another mazy run by Clee eight minutes later and Hyde were home and dry. They almost grabbed another in the closing stages as Lindlay completely missed a back pass after a bad bobble on the bumpy pitch, but he managed to scramble back just in time.

The Hyde defence again looked good, expertly marshalled by Mike Flynn, with Ndjebayi commanding behind them, whilst McNeil and Johnson wreaked havoc every time they got the ball. Clee and Dean gave the Tigers width when they needed it and generated space for the creative Wharton to run through. 

The Tigers have come a long way in three weeks, and now have something to build on for their tough Christmas programme.  

Hyde United  Ndjebayi, Adams, Armstrong, Jones, Flynn, Wharton, Dean, Harrison, Clee, Johnson, McNeil  Subs Lynch, Caldecott, Tolson, Ellis, Gaynor.

Hucknall   Lindley, Asher, Carter, Rowland, Sucharewycz, Timons, McSweeney, Groves, Ward, Gill, Nelthorpe.  Subs  Nangle, Robinson, Smith, Mellars, Francis.

REPORT BY TONY BEARD