Match Preview: Hyde United (A) - Pitching In Northern Premier League

As a new era beckons for FC United, we look ahead to Mark Beesley’s first game in charge at the club with a visit to some familiar opponents at Ewen Fields.

Team News

A brief update from Beesley ahead of tomorrow’s short trip:

• Jay Fitzmartin is likely to miss the game with a hamstring injury
• With the squad being quite short on numbers with injuries, as well as the departure of Dontai Gabidon to Macclesfield, the club will be looking to address this over the next week

The FC United manager said: ‘It’s been a busy first week at the club, but it’s been great getting to know the lads. I’m excited to get in the dugout for my first match.’

Our Opponents – Hyde United, The Tigers

It’s the third meeting between the two sides this season, the first two taking place in the FA Cup 1QR earlier this month. 

Jordan Preston secured a dramatic injury-time equaliser after FC fought back from three goals down with just over 10 minutes to play at Broadhurst Park. In the replay, Hyde’s Jake Thompson scored the only goal as Nick Spooner’s side proceeded to the next round, where they narrowly lost out 2-1 to Southport.

Since FC faced Hyde in the FA Cup, the Tigers’ sparkling early season form has cooled, losing two and drawing two of their last four games heading into Saturday’s league meeting. Their last game saw Morpeth snatch a 90th minute leveller in the North East, leaving Hyde placed 6th in the NPL Premier Division.

History in SK14

A trip to Ewen Fields in the last few years has not come with the happiest of memories; the last time FC came away with three points away at Hyde was in January 2020. A brace each for Regan Linney and Tunde Owolabi, along with a goal for Curtis Jones led FC to a thumping 5-1 win, a result that would extend the team’s unbeaten run to 15 games.

Last season’s edition of this fixture saw Hyde claim victory at the start of April. Charlie Oliver’s first half goal gave the Reds the advantage, however efforts from Jack Redshaw and Ayo Quadri turned the lead on its head. Redshaw remains the danger man for Hyde, having notched seven goals from 12 appearances so far this campaign.