MOSSLEY 4, HYDE UNITED 2
Mossley produced a stirring second-half fightback to claim local bragging rights in their home pre-season friendly against Hyde United.
The Lilywhites, 2-1 behind at the break, took advantage as Hyde rang the changes for the second half.
Two excellent strikes from the influential Jack Bannister, switched from the wing to No 10, swung the match Mossley’s way in what manager David Fish described as the sort of test his side needed.
Fish was especially pleased as three members of his usual back four were unavailable, but new-boy Josh Dickin and Will Hartshorne seized their chances as a new and impressive centre-back pairing.
Hyde, who rested key players Jack Redshaw and Adam Dawson, capitulated in the second half to the dismay of manager Nick Spooner.
“In the first half, you saw the real Hyde. I gave other players an opportunity in the second half and, unfortunately if you don’t take those opportunities, you are out of the door,” he said.
Hyde went ahead in the 14th minute when Liam Tongue’s drive from distance was fumbled by goalkeeper Dale Latham and Eddie Brown slotted home the rebound.
The lively Brown was twice superbly denied by Latham as he could had completed a hat-trick in the opening quarter of the match.
Mossley equalised after 25 minutes when a wayward back pass from Ryan White was intercepted by Oumar Camara who fired low past goalkeeper Gio Bellagambi.
Hyde regained the lead shortly before the break when Chinedu Uche cut the ball back from the right by-line for Tongue to find the top corner with a drive from the edge of the box.
Mossley made it 2-2 after 69 minutes when Mason Fawns’ cheeky back heel released Bannister who fired home from a tight angle.
The Lilywhites were soon ahead when Bannister struck again firing high into the roof of the net after Jack Grundy headed a cross back across the face of goal.
Hyde’s misery continued when Mossley added a late fourth goal when Louie Potts’ excellent low cross from the right was turned into his own goal by defender Harry Ditchfield.
Hyde and Mossley have both added players to their squads.
Hyde have signed goalkeeper Gio Bellagambi from Huddersfield Town on a three-month loan.
The 20-year-old, who was born in London, has been called into the Uganda squad for African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Joe Green, last season number one, has chosen to leave the club.
Hyde had also signed left-sided Ryan White, 23, who was an academy player at Bolton Wanderers when Spooner was his manager.
White, whose career was interrupted by a cruciate knee ligament injury, last season played for Blackpool Mechanics.
Mossley have signed striker Oumar Camara who has impressed pre-season.
Camara, 24, worked with Fish when he managed Curzon Ashton U18s and played for him at Chadderton. He has also played for Avro and Prestwich Heys.
Mossley have also brought in Jackson Maguire, 17, the former Stalybridge Celtic U18 player, who is to play for Manchester League club Heyside on dual forms to get match experience.
They have also snapped up former AFC Fylde academy central defender Sam Keenan, 18, who is also likely to be sent out on dual forms.
Also making their debut against Hyde were Mossley’s new LED floodlights.
The eco-friendly lights were installed towards the end of last season but were never switched on for a match.
Fish was impressed saying the new lights removed dark patches in the corners which existed previously.
However, Dickin complained about being dazzled by the new lights when making defensive headers.