Hyde tasted defeat on the opening day of the season after a 2-0 loss away to Gainsborough Trinity.

After 6 months without a competitive game due to the Covid-19 pandemic, excitement was built at the club after a positive pre season.

However, the tigers never really got going in the first half of the game, and this led to the home side having the majority of the chances.

The hosts best chances came from the combination play between the young and quick Fyfe and the experienced target man Gregg Smith, who is a constant threat from crosses and set pieces.

The warning signs were there for Hyde and they were eventually caught out on the counter. A poor throw-in which was given away cheaply, lead Gainsborough to break away and Fyfe applied to finish into the bottom corner halfway into the half. 1-0.

A change at half time in bringing on Ash Young led the tigers to gain control of the midfield and start to dictate play and possession.

A 10 minute spell of constant pressure after half time almost brought the equaliser but Trinity keeper Jackson had other ideas. Firstly his quick reactions denied Kingsley James who hit a shot low and hard from the edge of the box.

Next, a deep free kick by Lane was met with a thunderous header by Hollins and somehow Jackson managed to get a toe on the ball to prevent the game going level.

It was always going to be the case that the tigers could have been made to pay for the missed chances and a matter of minutes later Gainsborough doubled their lead.

Another break away and failure to stop the cross led the ball to finding the head of the Smith who glanced the ball into the bottom corner. 2-0.

An improved second half performance from the tigers which they can take into the FA Cup game away to Northern League side West Allotment Celtic on Tuesday.

By George Rothwell