Easter Monday football round-up: Derby wins for Hyde and Stalybridge

Easter Monday saw Hyde United keep their heads above water with a crucial derby day win over Ashton United, which saw them cling onto the two-point buffer between themselves and the NPL Premier relegation zone. 

Ben Kershaw’s controversial first-half spot kick was enough to see Michael Clegg haunt his former side on a nervy afternoon at Ewen Fields. 

Tigers forward Tunde Owolabi was inches away from opening the scoring early on, skipping past two inside the area before unleashing an effort which looked destined for the bottom left corner, had it not been for the heroics of covering defender Dylan Cogill. 

The Robins then had a golden chance of their own on the stroke of half time when Al Byrne squared for Darius Osei at the back post, who could only direct the ball wide from a matter of yards. 

The visitors were made to pay just minutes later when the referee pointed to the spot for a challenge on Owolabi, much to the frustration of manager Steve Cunningham, who made his feelings known at half-time, resulting in his dismissal. 

Kershaw made no mistake from 12 yards, tucking the ball past former Tiger Jordan Eastham to ease the nerves inside Ewen Fields. 

A cagey second half then ended with plenty of drama, with James Hardy’s 90th minute strike crashing off the crossbar, before Owolabi saw his point-blank effort saved at the other end, only for his blushes to be spared by the referee’s whistle. 

“It's just massive, especially with what’s gone on elsewhere,” a relieved Michael Clegg told the Reporter at full time. 

“It's unthinkable that we’d be in the bottom three if we lost today. 

“It’s seven points out of our last nine now, and I think we’re looking a bit stronger, we look like we know our roles a bit better. 

“When I came in, we were free scoring but also free conceding, and I think now we look a bit more boring, but we needed that. 

“I’m just made up with the level of commitment from the lads over the weekend, I’m buzzing for everyone today.” 

Elsewhere, the other Tameside derby across the borough saw Stalybridge Celtic edge visitors Mossley by the same scoreline to make it eight league wins on the bounce. 

Ellis Horan’s 88th minute strike saw the hosts take another huge step towards securing an NPL West play-off place, and move just three points behind league leaders Bury. 

Both sides came into the meeting on a 13-match unbeaten run, and their desperation to avoid defeat was there for all to see at Bower Fold. 

In a match of few chances, the deadlock was finally broken two minutes from time when Horan raced in behind The Lilywhites’ backline before coolly slotting past Madigan. 

Meanwhile, Curzon Ashton’s National League North safety is hanging in the balance after a 3-1 home defeat to Southport. 

The defeat leaves The Nash just one place above the relegation zone, with Hereford trailing by seven points but with three games in hand. 

Adam Barton’s side found themselves behind at the break thanks to Malakai McKenzie’s early opener, but responded well to draw themselves level just eight minutes after the interval through Tony Weston. 

The parity would last merely minutes however, with Jordan Keane firing the hosts back in front in a flash. 

The home side’s misery was then compounded five minutes from time as a breakaway goal from substitute Arthur Gnahoua sealed their fate. 

“The goals were individual errors, they didn’t cut us open once,” said a frustrated Barton at full-time. 

“It’s down to individual performance. I can’t go on the pitch and help somebody defend 1v1. 

“On the first goal, the guy’s on his own in the box and he’s able to take a touch and put it in the bottom corner. There’s nothing a coach can really do about that. 

“The lads know, and to be fair, they’ve given everything they’ve got. Who knows if it’s enough, we’ll see.” 

Finally, in the NWCFL First Division North, Droylsden kept their title hopes hanging by a thread with an emphatic 4-0 win over basement club Maine Road. 

Two goals in each half saw The Bloods keep the gap between themselves and leaders Nelson to four points, with just two games to go. 

Jordan Barnett’s long-range effort saw Dave Pace’s side hit the front after just five minutes, before Luis Cantello tapped home a second just before the break. 

Cody Artwell then weighed in with his 20th goal of the season to put Droylsden in control, before Kyle Campbell’s late strike made it four.