Weekend football round-up: Clegg off the mark as Hyde hammer Hednesford

Michael Clegg picked up his first win as Hyde United boss on Saturday as The Tigers obliterated title hopefuls Hednesford Town 5-0 at Ewen Fields. 

A five-star performance saw the hosts move four points clear of the drop zone as new Pitmen boss Kelvin Davis got his tenure off to a nightmare start. 

Hyde’s new recruit Tunde Owolabi - who was a thorn in the side of Hednesford all afternoon - opened the scoring in fine fashion, chasing down his own flick on before lashing a volley over the helpless head of Tony Breeden. 

Moments later, the Belgian doubled the home side’s lead, racing in behind the Pitmen back line once more and tucking the ball in off the near post. 

Clegg’s side then stormed out of the blocks in the second period, all but ending the visitors’ hopes of a comeback within five minutes of the restart when a well worked corner routine was expertly finished off by debutant defender Damon Park. 

If there were any doubts about a Hyde victory, these were certainly extinguished on the hour as Chris Hussey’s foul on Dontai Gabbidon allowed skipper Jack Redshaw to sweep home a fourth from 12 yards.  

Things would get even more bleak for the visitors soon after as substitute Antoine Makoli was alert to nick the ball high up the pitch before laying off for Gabbidon, who smashed home a well-deserved fifth. 

“We were worthy winners,” Clegg told the Reporter following the drubbing. 

“Everything we worked on in the week came to fruition, we worked tirelessly on a gameplan, and it’s just come to life today. 

“I’m just buzzing for everyone associated with the club, we’ve all worked so hard and it’s been a long time since we last won so we’ll all enjoy that tonight.” 

Elsewhere, in the NWCFL First Division North, Droylsden kept the pressure on league leaders MSB Woolton with a 6-1 thrashing of Steeton. 

It was an afternoon to remember for forward Cody Artwell, who netted four times in West Yorkshire as The Bloods romped to their third straight victory. 

The visitors took a 2-0 lead into half-time, with Artwell building on Harry Shipton’s early header, but were pegged back early in the second-half by Jacob Holgate.  

Three unanswered strikes from Artwell then saw Droylsden cruise into a comfortable 5-1 lead, before Kyle Campbell added the finishing touch to what was a Valentine’s Day massacre. 

In the National League North, Curzon Ashton’s four game unbeaten streak came to an end as a single goal from hosts Scarborough Athletic proved to be decisive. 

Kieran Weledji’s early strike saw the Seadogs through at their temporary home in Bridlington, as The Nash slipped down to 12th in the table. 

After a couple of smart saves from Curzon stopper Callum Hawkins, the deadlock was broken from the resulting corner as Weledji bundled in the opener with just eight minutes on the clock. 

Mark Bradshaw’s side had a golden opportunity to level to scoring after the break, as Tony Weston raced in behind, but his dinked effort was well read by Ryan Whitley who stood tall to preserve Scarborough’s advantage. 

Cian Flannery also came close to restoring parity soon after, but could only direct his back post header wide of the target. 

“We didn’t get what we deserved,” said a frustrated Mark Bradshaw following the defeat. 

“They shaded the first half, but second half, we came out and gave it everything – we should’ve got something out of the game. 

“Overall, it’s hard to be pleased because we’ve lost, but to a man, everybody gave their all today.” 

In the NPL West, Stalybridge Celtic slipped out of the play-off spots after being held to a 3-3 draw by visitors Clitheroe. 

Despite leading on two occasions, Celtic needed an 89th minute strike from defender Jack Tinning to ensure the points were shared at Bower Fold. 

Liam Tongue opened the scoring in style with an inch perfect free-kick, before Josh Briggs’ curling effort levelled things just before the break. 

Hosts Celtic then regained their lead through Ruben Jerome’s long-range strike before two quick fire finishes either side of the hour saw the visitors turn the match on its head. 

Clitheroe were reduced to ten soon after when Cameron Lancaster was shown a second yellow card, and Jon Macken’s side took full advantage, with Tinning rifling home from distance to rescue a point. 

“They worked a lot harder than us today,” admitted a disgruntled Macken at full-time.  

“Playing at home, we’ve got to do a lot more, we’ve got to show more willingness to work harder than the opposition. 

“The goals were really sloppy, they were too easy to concede, so yeah, I’m disappointed.” 

Finally, in the same division, Mossley earned a point at high-flyers Runcorn Linnets, as the pair played out their second goalless draw of the campaign.  

An inspired performance from goalkeeper Fin Madigan saw The Lilywhites record their 11th clean sheet of the season and extend their unbeaten run to six matches. 

Madigan kept the hosts at bay with a string of second-half saves, after Alex Craddock's side had a goal controversially disallowed ahead of the interval. 

“I think I’ve learned my lesson,” joked Craddock, who was forced to watch from the stands after picking up his third booking of the season. 

“Mason [Fawns] was onside, there’s absolutely no way he wasn’t, so that’s a bit frustrating. But ultimately, it’s a really good point.”