Atherton Colleries ran out close winners over the tigers, after a 2-1 victory at the Skuna Stadium.

Hyde battled well, considering they had to spend the best part of 85 minutes with 10 men after Chris Sharp was given his marching orders after an altercation with Gareth Peet. Kicking up the slope it first half would have been tough with 11 men, but now it was even more of an uphill battle!

Going in at half time level would have been an excellent first 45, but that was halted when ex tiger O’Brien picked up a switched ball over to the right wing, cutting inside and firing into the far corner to take the lead.

Hyde came out of the traps straight after the restart, 30 seconds to be precise, when Turner used his pace, bursting forward and forcing an excellent save from Hartley.

But, the home side doubled their lead shortly after, a well taken corner was powered home by the head of skipper Lafferty.

It would have then been easy to assume to score line would increase in the hosts favour, but the tigers battled strongly and got back into it when Roscoe rose highest at the far post to head home a corner. However, Hyde’s valiant attempt to get something from the game was in vain, as time ran out to get an equalizer, which many may say wouldn’t have been undeserved.

By George Rothwell