Hyde and Gainsborough shared the points in a fairly dull affair on a cold day at Ewen Fields. Neither side managed to get any rhythm going in the game which contributed to the lack of chances.

The first half was the quieter of the 2 as both sides tried to play down the channels, which in turn made the game direct and scrappy.

Gainsborough made a change at the break as Morrison replaced Green, injecting pace down the right hand side. But, it was Hyde who went ahead on 50 minutes when the ball fell to Dyche just inside the 18 yard box who, on the half volley found the far corner of the goal.

It was hoped Hyde would have doubled their lead but the final ball or cross was lacking, giving the visitors an opportunity back into the game.

They did take that opportunity as James, moved into the centre of midfield, found room to pick an excellent pass through the Hyde defence to find the run of substitute Dunn who slotted past French into the bottom corner.

In order to try and take victory both sides shuffled the pack with substitutions and changes in formation but were to no avail as the game finished all square. The visitors remain at the foot of the table, the tigers still inside the top half.

By George Rothwell