FC United of Manchester sailed through to the semi-finals of the Manchester Premier Cup, defeating the tigers 3-0 at Ewen Fields.

The visitors controlled the first half, passing the ball around quickly and keeping possession for the majority of the half. That being said, it didn’t result in a flurry of chances like you would expect, only chances from Linney and Owolabi standing out.

Just as Hyde began to win the ball back high up the pitch towards the end of the first half, FC United took the lead as Dodd’s free kick took a bounce and somehow went in past Mewitt on the stroke of half time.

Mewitt suffered concussion on the back of this and he was replaced in goal at half time with central midfielder Liam Tongue, who put in a good performance with a few decent saves.

The substitutions worked with extra pace being introduced and it was Crawford who earnt Hyde a penalty after his cross hit Dodd’s arm. Lane stepped up but his spot kick was saved by Belford who dived to his right, but it was clear to see Belford was a few yards off his line when the save was made, but this wasn’t spotted by the linesman.

FC United made Hyde pay doubling their lead on 70 minutes when Owolabi finally took his chance, Tongue’s fingertip couldn’t keep it out. They then secured victory shortly before full time when substitute Myers surged forward, unleashing a shot from outside the box into the bottom corner leaving Tongue with no chance.

By George Rothwell