Hyde lift Ray Stanley Shield

Hyde United lifted the Ray Stanley Memorial Shield for the third successive year on Saturday, defeating local rivals Stalybridge Celtic 2-0. 

An already emotional day was made even more poignant as prior to kick-off, a minute's applause was held to honour the life of long-standing volunteer Dave Gresty, who sadly passed away last week. 

The Tigers opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Lewis Rawsthorn - who spent part of last season at Bower Fold - clipped the ball in behind his former employers for Shakeel Jones-Griffiths to poke through the legs of the onrushing Charlie Monks. 

Rawsthorn was involved again moments later, latching onto a through ball and unselfishly squaring the ball to Antoine Makoli, who tapped into the empty net to make it two. 

Following the win, Hyde boss Nick Spooner told The Reporter: 

“I thought it was a good performance, it was really pleasing. 

“We scored goals, managed to keep a clean sheet, dominated the possession, and they didn’t cause us too many problems. 

“I was more pleased with the first half, second half we got a bit sloppy and didn’t keep the ball well enough but that happens when you make changes, and I’m delighted with the result.” 

Spooner’s side begin their NPL Premier season this Saturday when they welcome Lancaster City to the Project Solar Stadium. 

As for Stalybridge Celtic, their NPL West curtain raiser sees them travel to Vauxhall Motors.