Hyde’s recent struggles on the road continued, falling to a 3-0 defeat at Radcliffe with goals from Liam Ellis, Tyrese Sinclair and Rick Smith sealing the win.

After a fairly quiet start to the game Radcliffe found the lead on 19 minutes when they broke away from a Hyde corner, Sinclair bursting down the right and managing to cross into the box for Ellis to poke home. For the remainder of the opening 45 the hosts looked comfortable, the tigers not managing any notable chances.

Dave McGurk rung the changes at half time replacing Dyche with Lane and he gave Hyde the impetus, running at the defence with pace and forcing challenges, resulting in several yellow cards for Radcliffe. McGurk also decided a focal point was needed up front, sending McCombe up top, who held the ball up superbly and got the tigers further up the pitch. This resulted in several key chances to find that all important equaliser but there were misses from Turner and Tongue where they would have fancied themselves to finish. Ollie Martin in the Radcliffe goal deserves recognition for some excellent saves from close range.

As a failure to draw level, Hyde were still searching but left gaps in behind which Radcliffe exploited. The second goal was scored by Sinclair from the spot after Thompson was adjudged to have fouled Ellis. The hosts wrapped up the win shortly after when substitute Smith looped a ball over the top of Mewitt that found the bottom corner.

By George Rothwell