HYDE UNITED 1, CURZON ASHTON 1
(Curzon won 5-3 on pens)
Paddy Lane’s miss in the penalty shootout proved decisive as Curzon Ashton edged past Hyde United in the Ray Stanley Memorial Shield.
Incredibly it was the fourth time in five years that the annual pre-season fixture was settled by spot kicks on what was the 20th anniversary of the death of the former Tigers’ secretary.
It was another pleasing performance from Hyde against National League North opponents in front of 251 fans at Ewen Fields which included Stockport County manager Jim Gannon.
But it came at a cost as striker Louis Myers was taken from the field on a stretcher with what looked a serious knee injury – manager Dave McGurk explaining the initial prognosis does not look good.
Hyde were indebted early on to a goalline clearance from Tom Morris to keep out a shot from Jude Oyibo after a defensive blunder by left-back Kyle Brownhill.
They took the lead just short of the half hour when a shot from distance by Jack Dyche took a deflection and looped over goalkeeper Cameron Mason.
Lane had two good chances to double the lead as Hyde finished the opening period strongly.
Myers’ night ended just before the hour after he stayed down after a hefty challenge which was followed by a lengthy stoppage.
Curzon equalised with 16 minutes left through a trialist striker who came on midway through the second half.
A pass was played to his feet on the edge of the box and he produced a superb turn before bending a shot low to the left of goalkeeper Joe Green.
In the penalty shootout, Curzon had a perfect record as they r=converted all five kicks while Lane was the only one of nine takers to miss as Mason saved well diving low to his right.