After squandering a two-goal lead at home to Prescot Cables on Saturday, Hyde United spared their FA Cup blushes with a 1-0 win in Tuesday’s First Qualifying Round replay.
The Tigers were seconds away from progressing at the weekend before visiting goalkeeper Calvin Hare fired in a 96th minute equaliser.
Strikes from Antoine Makoli and Lewis Rawsthorn had put Nick Spooner’s side in control, but after Jack Goodwin halved the deficit 15 minutes from time, the stage was set for Hare to produce a hit any forward would be proud of, volleying past Mersin and forcing a replay deep into stoppage time.
As they did on Saturday, Hyde took the lead in Merseyside through skipper Jack Redshaw, who curled the ball beyond the despairing dive of Hare.
But there was to be no late resurgence from the hosts this time around, with Tigers stopper Yusuf Mersin producing an inspired second-half performance to see his side through.
“I’m proud of them [the players],” said a delighted Nick Spooner at full-time.
“This is one hell of a tough place to come, and they really put it on us tonight, but one to eleven they’ve stood up for themselves and put in a great performance.”
Hyde’s reward is a home tie against fellow NPL Premier side Whitby Town in the Second Qualifying Round.
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