Hyde United 0 Stalybridge Celtic 2: A TYPICAL all-action derby saw two goals in four second-half minutes clinch the points for Stalybridge in the Boxing Day encounter at Ewen Fields.

Man-of-the-match Matty Barlow grabbed the first on 54 minutes after Craig Dootson failed to hold Lee Ellington’s deflected shot, and minutes later, Barrie Keeling added the second when he found himself unmarked in the area after a free kick.

In brilliant sunshine and with a perfect pitch, the Tigers just about shaded the first period but could not turn their territorial advantage into goals.

They never really tested Paul Phillips in the Stalybridge goal as they were restricted to long-range efforts, although the pace of Nicky Clee and Daniel Douglas-Pringle caused problems throughout.

After the break, the visitors stepped up the pace, and once in front, never really looked like surrendering their lead despite increasing pressure from Hyde and the introduction of Chris Simm.

The Conference North’s leading scorer was unable to start as he was still suffering from the effects of flu.

While he injected some impetus into the Hyde attack, it was Stalybridge who were always dangerous on the break and quick to get men forward when they had possession.

Andy Smart saw a screamer go just wide before Keith Briggs could have added another, only to be thwarted by an excellent save from Dootson.

The impressive Lee Ellington missed a sitter when clean through near the end, but it mattered not as the visitors had already sealed an important victory.

No win for Hyde in the last 10 games is a major concern for manager Neil Tolson as the alarm bells begin to ring.

In this form, Stalybridge are once again serious play-off contenders and go into Thursday’s return match brimming with confidence.

Attendance: 871

Tweet