Hyde United 3 Altrincham 2

in UniBond Premier League

13 April 2002.

Summary and other details by John Laidlar. His full report is in the Official Site by John Laidlar

Though Hyde were in a relegation spot, Altrincham arrived with the worse current form- just one win in their last thirteen games. The past week had also just seen the announcement that Alty coach Graham Heathcote was to leave the club, amidst further cost-cutting steps. This was unlikely to be a good preparation for Altrincham as they sought to restore some dignity to their season which had gone off the rails in the last six weeks.

Alty were without keeper Stuart Coburn and Kevin Hulme as they went down to their eighth defeat in 14 league and cup games- a run which has included just one win. Hyde took an early lead through Foster's lob over Kurt Edginton (6 mins) before a fine shot from Gareth Strange brought a deserved equaliser (33 mins). Alty went ahead after 50 minutes through Danny Murphy, who had only come on at half time. Two minutes later Hyde got a far from clear penalty, which Foster converted, before a strongly deflected shot from Crookes won the game (63 mins). Alty created very little in the second half and Hyde deserved the points.

In addition to the long-term injured (Taylor, Scott, Adams, Gallagher), Alty were today without League-ever-present keeper Stuart Coburn, Keith Mairs and Kevin Hulme. So, four changes were made from the squad for the last game against Runcorn to accommodate ex-Hyde keeper Kurt Edginton for his Alty league debut, to bring back Danny Murphy, who had missed the last ten league games following a hernia operation and for Youth team players Lee Thompson and Mario Daniel to come in for Mairs and Marc Whiteman. Another Youth player, Vernum Rowland, started once again, this time in right midfield, with Ryan at left-back and Dave Swanick at right-back. Lee Poland also got a start, with Rod Thornley, up front. Hyde were without the suspended ex-Alty Reserves' duo of Chris Young and Lee Evans, both suspended, and Simon Yeo was only fit to start on the bench. They played with three at the back, Ashwell, Hawtin and Crookes, whilst Alty used their customary 4-4-2.

Ian Craney and Lee Poland in action

Up in the air

They shall not pass - Gareth Strange, Mark Sertori and Danny Murphy

Is Mark Sertori surrendering?

It was great to see Danny Murphy back in action after a long layoff for an operation for a hernia. it was even better to see him score by going behind the defense, shortly after being brought on as a substitute at half time

A fine save by keeper Richard Acton from substitute Mario Daniel

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