AN ENTERTAINING FA Trophy third qualifying round game at Ewen Fields ended with honours even and both sides settling for a replay.

Although Hednesford had more of the possession on the day, they failed to take their chances while Hyde were dangerous on the break through the lively Chris Simm.

It was Simm who had two early chances for Hyde, before Craig Dootson kept the home side in the game with a magnificent save before Steve Williams cleared off the line following a goalmouth scramble.

It was all-action stuff, but the UniBond League Premier Division leaders were causing the Hyde defence all sorts of problems. Therefore, it was no surprise when the unmarked Ross Dyer gave the visitors the lead on 25 minutes, converting at the far post.

Dootson made another fine save before Simm netted at the other end before being ruled, probably wrongly, offside. However, he scored within two minutes, converting a cross from Adam Oakes to bring the Tigers level.

Hednesford had much of the play in the second period and Mark Briggs was unlucky not to score as he struck a post with his first touch after coming on as substitute.

Dootson kept Hyde in the game with two more excellent saves but the Tigers were dangerous on the break.

They should have clinched the game in the dying minutes when Nicky Clee broke away and just needed to pass the ball inside to the unmarked Phil Marsh.

Unfortunately, the pass lacked pace and the excellent Decio Gomes just managed to clear the ball and send the game to a replay.

Attendance: 275

Tony Beard

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