Under 21s Grab Winner In 3-2 Win

Hyde United FC 21’s 3 – 2 Steven Gerrard Acadamy 21’s

After the previous results for both teams the expectations were high that a free flowing passing game would be displayed in the sun, however this was far from the truth. In a game that lacked any flow or quality it was difficult to differentiate between the teams and see a winner. Despite the efforts of some, getting the ball down and playing was proving to be a struggle for Hyde and managing the physicality and size of the opponents caused issues across the pitch. This changed with the introduction Dan Evans who got the ball down and started feeding Sean Abby and Ethan Robertson and Hyde started to gain a little control. Half time came and this gave the opportunity for the coaches to change some of the personnel and make some tactical alterations….I would love to say this worked but Hyde continued to struggle.

Despite all the issues with “playing the Hyde way”, the spirit and determination of Hyde started to win through. After conceding a poor goal, Hyde bounced back after a number of deflections in the SGA penalty area and Finlay Hampson equalised through a fine strike. SGA bounced back and somehow regained the lead despite the best efforts of Hyde keeper Ben Craughwell, with a great save, this bounced favourably for SGA and they scored. Hyde stepped up the pressure again and keeper Ben Craughwell then turned provider with a series of chances created by his excellent “Sam Johnstone esk” distribution, putting the forwards through one on one which they failed to capitalise on. Momentum was with Hyde and after another good break, Brian Makela pounced on a chance following a goalkeeping fumble and equalised for Hyde. With the final few minutes approaching Hyde continued to push forward and after Sean Abby won the ball in the middle of the pitch he again put Brian Makela through who calmy slotted the ball home for Hyde. It was then left to Luke Toner to manage the game out for Hyde as the forward continually held the ball up and broke up play to ensure Hyde walked away with 3 points. Nothing pretty about the football, but the spirit, determination and growth of the team is clear for all to see. Come support the lads next Sunday morning in the county cup, KO 10:30am at the Solar Project Stadium.

Squad for the day
Ben Craughwell
Luke Fox
Mateo Padovani
Kieran Spencer
Ethan Whitty
Ethan Robertson (capt)
Brian Makela
Sean Abby
Luke Toner
Jack Strong
Kieran Owen
Dan Evans
Jordan Conway
Finlay Hampson