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Tigers tame the visitors

30/12/2004

A DRAMATIC game in every sense of the word saw Hyde complete a 12-month unbeaten record at Ewen Fields and stretch their unbeaten run to 20 games.

The Bank Holiday crowd watched the Tigers claim all three points in their pursuit of Workington despite starting the game without three regulars.

That became six by the end with Paul Jones and Dale Johnson limping off, while Nicky Hill was stretchered off with serious concussion.

Those changes meant that Hyde struggled to achieve any real rhythm as centre-back Steven Clegg had three different partners during the game, while Matty McNeil - playing despite his brother's Christmas Day death - was continually moved around and Neil Tolson struggled during the second half having climbed off his sick bed to play.

Despite an overnight frost, the pitch was in excellent condition thanks to tireless work from ground staff and saw a crowd of over 600.

However, it was Witton who began brightly as their leading scorer Mike Moseley had twice gone close inside the opening two minutes.

Hyde then went up the other end, watching Tolson shoot inches wide and Chris Lynch force keeper Paul Gibson into a fine 25th minute stop before Craig Buckley volleyed in Phil Salt's corner on 35 minutes for a goal in four consecutive home games.

There was still time for a floodlight pylon to trip out as the first half ended which saw Andy Waine replace a limping Johnson.

With the lights back on, Hyde knew they had to keep Witton at bay as the visitors piled forward knowing the Tigers were unable to find an outlet up front with Tolson struggling.

Albion substitute John Stannard with Tim Mullock beaten, but the keeper then produced a string of fine stops to preserve Hyde's slender advantage.

Five minutes of injury time from the excellent referee only added to the drama, but Hyde held on for the three points.