Tigers cruise through to the final

Hyde United made it through to the final of the Manchester Premier Cup in style after a 4-2 win at home to local rivals Curzon Ashton in Tuesday’s semi-final. 

The Tigers made a lightning start to the game, taking the lead after just two minutes when Ewan Bange turned in a cross from Matty Fearnley to put his side in front. 

Visitors Curzon then hit back just past the half-hour mark when Michael Afuye cut inside his man from the right wing and curled the ball into the top right corner. 

Hosts Hyde then regained the lead on the hour mark when Matty Fearnley was once again the provider, this time slipping in Brad Holmes who tucked the ball past Ollerenshaw. 

Two quickfire goals from winger Frankie Sinfield then put Nick Spooner’s side in control.  

The first saw the wide man cut inside from the right wing and sweep the ball into the far left corner. 

The second, a sumptuous free kick from the edge of the box which kissed the far left post on its way in- goals worthy of winning any game. 

There was still time for The Nash to pull one back through Isaac Buckley-Ricketts but it was too little too late, and it was The Tigers who advanced into the final. 

“I’m very pleased”, Hyde United boss Nick Spooner told the Reporter following the win. 

“We started off really well, then they got a bit aggressive, and I think it upset our momentum. 

“There were words said at half time, I thought we were too soft, we were being too nice and not getting tight enough. 

“But second half I got the reaction I wanted, I thought we dominated.” 

Following his side’s exit from the competition, Nash boss Craig Mahon told the Reporter: 

“I’m disappointed, but there’s still a lot of positives to take from that performance. 

“We’ve got lads who needed gametime, and when you make that many changes it can be really difficult. 

“We’ve just got to make sure we learn from our mistakes and prepare for Saturday.” 

Mahon’s side take on title chasing rivals King’s Lynn Town at the Tameside Stadium, while Hyde welcome Gainsborough Trinity to the Project Solar Stadium.