TRAFFORD 3, HYDE UNITED 1
Cup giantkillers Hyde United found themselves giantkilled as they lost to lower league opposition at Trafford in the Manchester Premier Cup.
Three days after knocking National League North side Darlington out of the Emirates FA Cup, the Tigers made a first-round exit at Homes Estates Shawe View as a run of seven straight wins in all competitions came to an end,
This tie was sandwiched between two big cup games – Hyde are at home to Colne in the FA Trophy on Saturday – and it was no surprise manager Nick Spooner rang the changes during a congested period.
Spooner, whose team selection was influenced by niggling injuries, fatigue and the unavailability of Blackpool loanees Tayt Trusty and Brad Holmes, made six changes to the starting line-up.
Goalkeeper Gio Bellagambi, Adam Dawson, Jack Redshaw and Tom Pratt – four key players – didn’t make the trip while Callum Spooner and Javid Swaby-Neavin dropped down to the bench.
Spooner gave runouts to his squad players and handed a start and debut to Under-21s player Ben Lowe in central midfield while on the bench were U21 pair Wilf Reiy and Ethan Robertson along with academy lad Oliver McKay.
The youngsters hadn’t even trained with the team, so it was no surprise Hyde lacked the usual fluency and cohesion which has seen them challenge at the top end of Northern Premier League, premier division.
Trafford took the lead after 15 minutes through a terrific 25-yard drive from Oliver Ford which arrowed into the bottom corner.
Hyde were level inside two minutes through a first goal from the club from new signing Manasse Mampala.
Luke Daly’s excellent diagonal pass released the former Everton youngster who found the net with a neat finish, beating goalkeeper Matt Cooper at his near post with a low shot.
Trafford’s two full backs combined for the goal which saw the home side regain the lead just after the hour.
Matty Morgan fired over a low cross from the right and Aaron Fleming was completely unmarked at the far post for the simplest of finishes, a bad goal to concede for Hyde.
Hyde mounted siege to the home goal as Tawab Djankpata dragged a shot disappointingly wide, two balls were fired across the face of goal with players, sliding in, just failing to connect while there was a huge penalty appeal when Eddie Brown went down.
Trafford rode their luck and sealed victory with a third goal in the 74th minute following a piece of calamitous defending.
Captain Brad Roscoe’s header back to James Chew failed to reach the young goalkeeper and former Stalybridge Celtic striker Mike Burke will not have had many easier chances.
It was game over, though Hyde had another penally appeal rejected late on following a challenge on Daly.
Spooner pointed out it was the first time he had made wholesale changes to what has been a settled side.
“We had to make changes as a few players had niggles and others were tired. They have put in a tremendous effort and had their rewards,” he said.
“We lacked our usual energy and intensity but take nothing away from Trafford who are a good footballing side.”