South Shields edged a step closer to the NPL Premier Division title after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Hyde United who remain in a tight race for the play offs, thanks to the only goal of the game from MacKenzie Heaney.

On 11 minutes, the visitors had their first attack on goal. A cross was delivered into the box by Dylan Mottley-Henry, Heaney attempted a spectacular overheard kick, didn’t catch it cleanly, and the ball bounced up onto the head of Michael Woods and the header was claimed by Hyde keeper Dan Atherton.

Hyde’s best first half chance was on 27 minutes, new loanee Tom Iorpenda, recently signed on loan from Huddersfield Town, combined well with experienced winger Jack Redshaw and the former unleashed a curling shot which was destined for the far corner but Boney dived well to his left to parry the shot away.

Hyde came out after the break on the front foot and looked the more likely to take the lead after Mampala and Fearnley both had shots go over the bar.

However, against the run of play at the start of the second half, the visitors got the all important goal after Mongoy got down the left, found Woods in the box who’s shot was blocked and the rebound fell to Heaney, his first time shot found the top corner.

Clear chances were at a minimum for the remainder of the game. Hyde threw everything at it, having the majority of possession and had a few shots blocked for corners but the Shields defence stood firm to seal victory.

Shields boss Kevin Phillips was delighted with the victory. “After a defeat on Tuesday night it was a great reaction and a perfect away performance, at a very tough place to come. I wouldn’t say we totally deserved the win but we took our chance well and that’s what you need to do away from home”

Hyde gaffer Nick Spooner agreed “there wasn’t a lot in the game at all, South Shields took their chance well, and we didn’t, and that was the only difference”