Midweek pre-season football round-up: Tigers take trophy

Three of our local football clubs were in action last night as pre-season matches take a step up in intensity.

Hyde United and Mossley contested the Ray Stanley Memorial Shield – named in honour of the late Tigers secretary – with the home side running out 2-0 winners. 

A trialist opened the scoring just after half-time, directing a Jordan Scanlon cross beyond the on-trial Lilywhites goalkeeper. 

Nick Spooner’s side clinched the tie in unusual circumstances on 69 minutes.  

Mossley’s stopper was forced to catch a loose back pass to prevent an own goal, gifting Hyde an indirect freekick inside the box. The quick-thinking Ayo Quadri backheeled the ball into the path of Connor Heath, who cannoned home from seven yards. 

Meanwhile, Curzon Ashton had a tough test at the Tameside Stadium against National League side, AFC Fylde.  

The Coasters took an early lead via a Harry Davies finish on 2 minutes, with Taelor O’Kane doubling their advantage with 15 minutes left on the clock.  

The Nash had plenty of opportunities, with Isaac Buckley-Rickett breaking through the Fylde back line several times without converting. 

New Mills cancelled their final warm-up match against Chadderton thanks to several minor knocks to Millers players.  

Chris Baguley’s team open their league campaign in the North West Counties Division One South on Saturday with a visit to Runcorn Town.