Hyde's winless run continues as relegation fears begin to mount

NPL Premier Division: Hyde United 1-2 Buxton

Hyde United’s relegation fears worsened at the weekend as the Tigers’ winless run stretched to seven games with a 2-1 defeat to Buxton at Ewen Fields.

Jim Gannon’s side looked destined for the three points during the previous weekend’s clash against Whitby Town; however, after taking the lead against the Seasiders, Hyde conceded two late goals to end the game empty-handed.

The Tigers were looking to rediscover their roar against Buxton, although it was always a tough ask against Steve Cunnigham’s side who are still on a title-chase.

Jason Gilchrist gave the visitors the lead in the 48th minute, before Warren Clarke doubled the advantage just four minutes later to put the game beyond any reasonable doubt.

To their credit Hyde did pull a goal back through Jonah Mitchell with 15 minutes remaining, although it mattered little in the grand scheme of things as the Bucks held out for the three points to inflict a fourth defeat in five games on the luckless Tigers.

Things don’t get any easier for Gannon’s side in the coming days as Hyde make the tough trip to Scarborough Athletic.

The Tigers will be hoping to take advantage of the surface at the Flamingo Land Stadium, as the Seadogs also play on a 3g pitch.

In player news, the club has signed young defender Sam Bird from Fleetwood Town on an initial one month loan.

The 18-year-old recently signed a contract extension to stay at Fleetwood until June 2023.

Bird has made the step into first team football this season after making his debut against Barrow in the Papa John’s Trophy in October, his full debut against Bolton Wanderers in November, and has been named multiple times on the bench for league games since then.

This will be Bird’s second loan spell away having had a spell at National League North side, Farsley Celtic in August. Bird went straight into the Hyde squad last weekend.