Guiseley became the first visitors to win at Ewen Fields this season and thus completed the double over long-time leaders Hyde, with James Walshaw’s goal proving the decider in the clash between first and – now – second in the table. The win also reduces Hyde’s points advantage to just five, with the Lions having a game in hand over their Cheshire rivals.

There was good news from the beginning as Danny Boshell turned out in midfield after going off in Tuesday’s win against Harrogate with what looked like a serious injury. Chris Senior, Lee Ellington, Michael Burns and Walshaw also started, but it was Hyde who should have gone ahead in the second minute when a low shot struck the foot of a post with Steve Drench beaten, and with the ball rebounding back across the six-yard box the home side somehow managed to screw their effort wide of the post.

Little did we know, but that was the nearest the home side would come to scoring as they struggled to break down a superb defensive display by the visitors, and although the Tigers had plenty of shots Drench was hardly ever troubled again.

Senior brought a good save from David Carnell as the vistors created their first real chance on 15 minutes, but as wave after wave of Hyde attacks tested the Lions’ defence the nippy striker was sacrificed in order to shore up the midfield, with Andy Holdsworth taking his place on 37 minutes. The tactical change paid dividends as the Lions took the game to Hyde and they were rewarded on 42 minutes when Burns fed Walshaw down the left channel. The prolific scorer’s shot took a deflection to loop over Carnell for the opener, Ellington following the ball into the net just to make sure.

Hyde were clearly stunned by this development but rallied after the break, though for all their efforts more often than not once they got past one yellow shirt there was another in their way. Ellington, Walshaw and Toner brought good stops from Carnell, and as Hyde dithered on whether to push forward and risk leaving gaps at the back or rely on hitting the Lions on the break it made no difference as the men in yellow contained their opponents to secure a crucial three points with a very professional display.

Steve Kittrick said after the game: “I thought they played well first half and played all the football. They were probably unlucky not to be in front but we defended well and we said if we hit them on the break, then we’ll get something. Which we did.”

Team:

1 – Drench

2 – Clarke

3 – Merris

4 – Toner

5 – Ellis

6 – Ainge

7 – Senior ( Holdsworth, 37)

8 – Boshell

9- Ellington (Price, 72)

10 – Walshaw 42 (Baldry, 81)

11 – Burns

12 – Baldry

14 – Lisles

15 – Price

16 – Holdsworth

18 – Giles