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Alfreton Town 3-2 Hyde United

13/ 8/2008

THE Tigers opened the new campaign at the Impact Arena, but failed to create any impact at all in the first period despite being given a gift goal.

The second period was a different affair though as Hyde played three men up front to cause all sorts of problems for the Alfreton defence.

They looked like they had done enough with an equaliser three minutes from time, only to be thwarted by a late goal deep into injury time.

Despite a change of personnel, the Tigers continue to concede goals from set pieces. Hyde took the lead on 32 minutes when Chris Simm took advantage of some sloppy defending to coolly slot the ball home.

However, within three minutes, they found themselves behind. First the impressive Paul Clayton equalised and then Danny Davidson headed a second within a minute.

There could have been more but Craig Dootson was at his best as the lively home forwards caused all sorts of problems for the Hyde defence in the slippery conditions.

In the second half it was Hyde who stepped up the pace. Matthew Tipton produced a cameo performance just behind the forwards and an equaliser looked on the cards, so it was no surprise when debutant Wayne Maden headed home with three minutes left.

Dootson then produced two more stunning saves and it looked like his heroics would earn Hyde a point until Josh Law found himself unmarked to head home three minutes into injury time.

It was hard on the Tigers, but it must be said the new look Alfreton looked formidable, especially going forward after a pre-season campaign which brought them 30 goals.

Attendance: 390

Tony Beard