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Saturday 13th February 2010
Conference North
| Hyde United | 1 | McNiven (85 pen) |
| Eastwood Town | 0 |
Attendance: 352
Hyde United: Michael Jones, Dean Stott, Mark Lees, Scott McNiven (Daniel Douglas-Pringle), Chris Lynch, Nathan D'Laryea, Matty Burke, Tom Manship, Scott Mooney (David McNiven), Kevin Holsgrove, Lee Rick (Nathan Arnold). Subs not used: Glynn Hurst, Ben Rowbotham.
Eastwood Town: Budtz, Ross, Riley, Nwadike, Robinson, Cooke, Mielke, Foster, Marshall, Holland, Gardner. Subs: Smith for Riley, Holmes for Holland, Gaughan, Bailey, Stair
Hyde grabbed the points in this close fought encounter courtesy of a David Mc Niven penalty five minutes from time to extend the home side's unbeaten run in 2010. After not having won since September, this was the Tiger's second win in a week as they attempt to climb away from the relegation zone. With games in hand, Hyde's task looks somewhat easier than it did two weeks ago.
For much of the time this game was played in midfield with Hyde fighting hard against the physical supremecy of the visitors. Chances were always going to be at a premium but the home side actually created more than their more illustrious visitors. In fact it was not until injury time that Hyde's 'keeper, Michael Jones was tested and he was up to the task as the home side held on.
The first half was instantly forgetable with only a Lee Rick header the only meaningful chance. Anton Foster was booked for a needless late challenge on Hyde full back Dean Stott but other incidents were few and far between.
Eastwood continued having more possession as the second period got under way but found the Hyde defence in an uncompromising mood with Chris Lynch having a storming game as a deputy centre back and the game looked like it was heading for a goalless encounter.
On 55 minutes Kevin Holsgrove broke clear down the right and seemed to be brought down in the area by Tom Marshall. It looked a clear penalty but referee Mr Street would have none of it and to rub salt into the wounds booked Holsgrove for protesting.
As the visitors pressed forward gaps started to appear at the back and Holsgrove twice went close after outrunning the defence only to be thwarted by Jan Budtz in the Eastwood goal.
Hyde made a double substituition with Nathan Arnold replacing Rick and Daniel Douglas Pringle taking over from Scott Mc Niven who sustained a rib injury. It gave the visitors more strength in midfield but they failed to capitalise on sustained possession.
With the minutes ticking away, Arnold broke clear on the left and his cross found Tom Manship in the box who was promptly pushed over by the unfortunate Foster, who collected a second yellow card and was dismissed. Substitute David McNiven, who had only been on the field for six minutes, calmly put the penalty away to put Hyde in front.
The home side expected an onslaught in the final few minutes but it did not really materialise until Jones held on well when tested in the last few seconds.
After the game Hyde manager, Neil Tolson said " I thought we battled well today. It was always going to be a tough game, but we showed we could compete against a good physical side and I thought we ultimately deserved the victory to extend our four game unbeaten run. A late penalty is always going to be controversial but I thought we should have had an earlier one with the Holsgrove incident."
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| Kevin Holsgrove on the move - Pic: Don Goodwin |
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| Lee Rick avoids a tackle - Pic: Don Goodwin |
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| Scott Mooney tries to close down a defender - Pic: Don Goodwin |
