HYDE UNITED 2, GUISELEY 1
Hyde United chalked up a fifth straight win in all competition as they beat Guiseley to climb to fifth place in Northern Premier League, premier division.
To see the Tigers in the promotion play-off spots represents a remarkable upturn in their fortunes as less than six months ago they were battling relegation.
New manager Nick Spooner has transformed the team which is only two points behind leaders South Shields.
But with only three points separating the top eight teams, it is shaping up to be a compelling campaign.
It was a hard-earned win against Guiseley who were relegated from National League North in May and the points were secured through goals from Eddie Brown and Jordan Fagbola.
If there was any criticism of the Tigers, it was they would have won by a wider margin had they had a touch more quality in the final third of the pitch.
Hyde got into some great positions only to be let down by the final delivery.
They got off to a perfect start taking a seventh-minute lead.
A brilliant diagonal pass from Liam Tongue released Brown who found the net with a well-executed chip over goalkeeper Tom Scott who is on loan from FC Halifax Town.
Hyde also struck the frame of the Guiseley goal in the opening half which they dominated.
Adam Dawson’s free kick from the left eluded everyone as it hit the far upright, though there was a suggested of a headed flick from Tongue.
Guiseley, woeful in the first half, must have had a tongue lashing at the break as they came out a completely different side.
Instead of having only one player up front, they went with two and a No 10 just behind which provided more attacking options.
And Guiseley were immediately rewarded as Charlie Wood drove a low ball across the face of goal which struck centre back Fagbola and ricocheted into the goal.
Hyde regained the lead within 10 minutes as Fagbola scored again, this time at the right end.
Staying upfield from a recycled free kick Tom Pratt’s cross was headed back across the face of goal for Fagbola to nod home.
Guiseley were not finished and had chance to nick a point but were denied by goalkeeper Craig Ellison who was recalled from Widnes, where he is on dual forms, to stand in for Gio Bellagami who is on international duty.
Ellison pulled off important stops to deny substitute Adam Haw and Jake Cassidy, though Hyde’s game management in the latter stages was equally important.