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Hyde Utd 0-1 Burscough

13/ 8/2008

TIGERS boss Steve Waywell announced an unchanged team for the visit of Burscough to Ewen Fields on Monday in the hope that the encouraging signs in the second half on Saturday would bear fruit.

However he was to be bitterly disappointed as the Tigers produced an inept display against a workmanlike, but hardly outstanding, Burscough team.

It should be noted that just five weeks previous the visitors had lost their manager and most of their players to Southport.

Hyde started marginally the stronger and a brilliant piece of skill by Matthew Tipton almost brought a goal on 15 minutes, but once again it was Craig Dootson who produced two superb saves before Hyde conceded their obligatory set piece goal on 21 minutes.

Dootson had no chance as the completely unmarked Michael Grogan headed home from a corner.

Nothing significantly happened then for the next hour or so with Hyde’s midfield frequently overrun and outplayed, and looking devoid of ideas. It was only in the last 10 minutes or so that the Tigers mounted any serious pressure.

Chris Simm came close with an exquisite lob, superbly saved by Zak Hibbert and in the dying seconds James Dean struck a post following a scramble.

Inbetween Simm was brought down in the area for what looked like a clear-cut penalty but referee, Mr Nolan, poorly placed, waved play on to complete a poor personal performance from himself and a miserable show from the Tigers.

Once again it was too little too late and left Waywell plenty to ponder.

Attendance: 303

Tony Beard