STAFFORD RANGERS FC 1-3 HYDE UNITED FC
On a clear and crisp Autumn Saturday Darren & the boys were looking to push on following Tuesday nights excellent display at home to South Shields.
Stafford turned out in good numbers to see the visit of the Tigers with 548 inside the ground, but they had to endure an opening 45 minutes which was competitive and combative rather than pleasing on the eye. Hyde probably shaded the possession and the half chances with Stafford happy to look to hit the tigers on the break.
Kyle Harrison picked up a knock which meant he had to leave the pitch after 35 minutes, and several long walks for Physio Stef Todd. Ross Daly also picked up some damage during a tackle with the Stafford No11 who was unable to continue.
HT 0-0
Hyde came out for the second half and looked to assert some authority on the game although Stafford had similar ideas. Early into the second period, Ross Daly had to admit defeat on his first half injury and Darren reshuffled the personal. Hyde took the lead when John McCombe reacted first to a parried shot in the Stafford box heading home for his 5th goal of the season. 1-0 Hyde
Hyde now enjoyed a period of possession and deservedly doubled their tally with a fantastic 20 yard left footed curling shot by Connor Simpson. 2-0 Hyde.
With the clock running down, Stafford forced the ball into the Hyde goals following a set piece to make the final 4 minutes plus injury time interesting, but the Tigers capitalised on the extra time with the excellent Connor Simpson sliding Tom Pratt in to fire home across the keeper into the corner of the Stafford goals.
FT 1-3 HYDE UNITED FC
6 Points and 7 goals in the last two games and Hyde are starting to look like a team who would be comfortable in the top third of the league. A solid defence in front of one of the best keepers in non league football means the midfield and forwards can express themselves and look to get at the opposition. This wasn’t a purring performance by any stretch of the imagination, but sometime winning on the road when your not at your best is the best sign of where you are as a team.
