Tigers set up Spooner derby

Hyde United are through to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after winning a pulsating replay 1-0 against FC United of Manchester.

Despite the visitors having the better of possession, Hyde were potent on the break. Charlie Casper made a couple of smart stops before Jake Thompson scored the decisive goal on 34 minutes, his second strike in as many games since signing from Radcliffe.

FC United were a constant threat in the first half. Dontai Gabbidon clattered the post with a shot on the turn, and the lively Jay Fitzmartin spurned a golden opportunity after rounding Hyde keeper Callum Hiddleston, dragging his attempt wide.

Although the visitors had spells when they camped out in Hyde’s half in the second period, they rarely called Hiddleston into serious action.

Gabbidon again hit the woodwork with a rasping angled effort, but it was on-loan Burnley goalie Casper who was by far the busier stopper.

He denied Tigers captain Jack Redshaw three times as the clock ticked down, including a tremendous double save, while the industrious Jordan Scanlon and Matt Fearnley kept the FC United defence on its toes.

Although home nerves jangled as FC United threw men forward during the seven minutes of stoppage time, there was no repeat of Saturday’s late-late show when they overturned Hyde’s 3-0 lead.

The Tigers will travel to Southport in the next round, where Hyde boss Nick Spooner will face his son Callum for the first time.

“It’s going to be an interesting fortnight. He knows all about us, I’ve not been able to watch him this year, so I might get time to go and watch a game, but it’ll be a tidy cup tie and something a bit different.

“It’ll be a good test and a good test at home, too, because I don’t know who my missus will support. Maybe she’ll support Callum, and our daughter will support me.”