The Lions spurned the opportunity to put daylight between themselves and sixth-placed Boston United as they failed to overcome a youthful Hyde side – who look all but doomed to a second consecutive relegation – in this afternoon’s clash at Ewen Fields.

Adam Boyes struck an early shot across the face of goal before Connor Hughes tested Steven Drench at the near post.

Boyes stung the hands of keeper Ed Wilczynski early on, but even though they forced a succession of corners the visitors were unable to break the deadlock as Jake Lawlor headed just over the bar and Liam Dickinson’s glancing header was straight at Wilczynski.

Drench was in action once again to push Luke Giverin’s shot round the post and Ben Holmes also brought a point-blank save from the Lions’ number one.

Despite replacing the ineffective Dickinson with Alex Johnson and Danny Hall with Nicky Boshell, the visitors were unable to force a result. Andy Holdsworth’s free kick passed just the wrong side of the post and Nicky Boshell wasted a good opportunity when his weak shot was easily saved by Wilczynski.

Even then, Drench needed to make two superb stops in quick succession at the death before Hyde had the ball in the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside much to the Lions’ relief.

1-Steven Drench

2-Ryan Toulson

3-Danny Lowe

4-Danny Hall (N Boshell, 63)

5-Danny Ellis

6-Jake Lawlor

7-Wayne Brooksby

8-Danny Boshell

9-Adam Boyes

10-Andy Holdsworth (C)

11-Liam Dickinson (A Johnson, 60)

12-Jordan Hendrie

14-Alex Johnson

15-Kyle Harrison

16-Nicky Boshell

18-Steve Dickinson