Another resolute performance saw the tigers return from the north east with an impressive 1-0 victory, our first at Mariners Park at the fourth time of asking.
Much like the game at FC united, Hyde had a game plan which worked to perfection, soaking up the pressure and hitting their opponents on the break. The first half ended goalless, with Hyde the happier of the sides after the break, keeping Shields at bay. It could be said the tigers were a tad unfortunate to not sneak ahead before half time after Tongue found himself free at the back post, his header unable to pass keeper Boney.
The second half saw Shields looking a threat, pushing further forward but still unable to break the solid Hyde shape. The only goal of the game came after a promising 5-minute spell by the tigers, with Pratt and O’Brien starting to ask questions of the Shields defence. With the hosts still looking to get ahead it left them vulnerable at the back. O’Brien produced a tricky run with the ball, managing to find Pratt on the right of the 18-yard box, laying it off onto a timely run by Tongue who powered the ball into the bottom corner. 1-0.
Hyde defended superbly to seal all three points to make it back to back wins on the road, against highly fancied opposition once again.
By George Rothwell