It was like the clocks had been turned back almost a year as the tigers again ran riot at Greenwich Avenue after an impressive 4-1 win against promotion chasing Basford United. Four first half goals did the damage and left the hosts shell shocked.

The tigers took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when an in-swinging corner from Lane found the back of the net, helped on its way by Bateman in the six yard box.

Basford tried to play out from the back but from the start they didn’t look comfortable often losing possession in dangerous areas. This proved fatal for the second goal as Tongue picked up the ball from Chettle just over halfway, his accurate pass found turner who fired home.

It was soon three when Hughes, returning to the tigers on loan from Ashton United, found himself with room inside the box to receive a Lane pass and slot into the bottom corner.

The fourth came from a quickly taken free kick by Brownhill to Hughes who took the ball to the by line before crossing to the far post to Turner who first hit the post but found the net at his second attempt.

If the half couldn’t have got any worse for Basford it did before the break as Bateman received his marching orders after a high challenge on Tongue and then throwing Hughes to the ground.

The home side did get on the score sheet in the second half as Galinski capitalised on the tigers failing to clear their lines from a free kick, but Hyde remained disciplined to wrap up a well-timed Christmas present of 3 points.

By George Rothwell