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Hinckley Utd 2 - 1 Hyde Utd

16/ 4/2008

ANOTHER typical end-of-season game offered little to cheer the spectators.

A downpour before kick-off had left the pitch sodden in places, and for the first half, most of the interest was off the pitch as thunderstorms circled the ground.

Once again the Tigers appeared to be cruising, only to concede a set piece goal and then found nothing in the tank to fight back.

Although Hinckley had plenty more to play for, that is no excuse with the talent Hyde have in the side and the small band of travelling fans made their views known to the management as the game progressed.

In a game of few chances, Leon Kelly twice went close for the Knitters in the first period, only for Matthew Tipton to give the Tigers an unlikely lead when he superbly lobbed home.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Hyde defending deeply while looking dangerous on the break.

However, disaster struck in the 57th minute when they gave a needless free kick away, Dave Morley had to substituted because his neck had locked, and then Richard Lavery got behind the defence to equalise from close range.

Chris Simm twice went close for the Tigers, foiled by Michael Jones on both occasions, but Hinckley achieved the win they desperately deserved when Tom Birch headed home from a corner.

Attendance: 537