HYDE UNITED 3, SOUTHPORT 0
Exciting winger Carter Waters was the standout player as Hyde United slaughtered Southport at Ewen Fields in the first qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup.
The 17-year-old from Sale scored one and provided assists for the two remaining goals as the only surprise the Tigers did not triumph by a far wider margin as they set up a mouth-watering tie at Stockport County in the next round.
And it was hardly surprising manager Jack Pritchard described it as “one of our most complete performances”.
While Hyde captivated the 128 spectators with some of their dazzling attacking play, Pritchard was pleased with other aspects of their play.
“We did a lot of the ugly things well like competing for second balls against a good Southport side,” he said.
That was required as Southport, unable to match Hyde football wise, resorted to trying to bully them which also did not work.
It was Waters, a member of Rochdale’s shadow academy side and who plays for Hyde in the North West Youth Alliance, who caught the eye.
Pritchard explained Waters had been picked up from Sunday football.
He said: “When Carter joined us 12 months ago, he was very, very raw.
“We have worked so hard to mould him into the player he has become.
“He is lightning quick, which you need from a winger, as well as being strong. He has all the attributes.”
Hyde made an electrifying start and were 2-0 ahead inside four minutes as Southport were blown away – they could and should have been five or six ahead in a blistering opening spell.
Waters pulled a shot wide from six yards inside the opening 30 seconds before setting up the third minute opening goal.
He delivered a low cross which Southport’s Eduard Servuts, under pressure, sliced his attempted clearance into the roof of his own net.
Waters made it 2-0 moments later. Running on to a Cam Fogerty pass he shrugged off a strong challenge before firing home an angled shot into the far corner.
Left-winger Aiden Butterworth had two glorious chances to build on the lead, the first set up by the livewire Waters, and little more than 10 minutes had been played.
After the pulsating start, Hyde had to wait until the 62nd minute before extending their advantage when Waters provided the cross for centre forward Oli Grey to convert from close range.
Southport frustration erupted with 11 minutes left when Owen Sewell was sent off for headbutting substitute Luis Cantello after the pair became involved in a spat.