Controversial decision denies Hyde victory

BetVictor Premier Division: Hyde United 0-0 Witton Albion

Late drama was the talking point as two teams just outside the play off places couldn’t break the deadlock as Hyde and Witton Albion held each other to a goalless draw at Ewen Fields.

The first half in general was fairly scrappy with neither side managing to make it click in the final third. Witton’s best chance was from Short who cut in from the left and fired a shot towards goal but French pulled off a great double save to keep the game level.

In the second half it looked like only one team was trying to win the game as Hyde came out lively, with the impressive Lane, who has been attracting attention from clubs at the top end of English football, being the focal point of attacks. He caused problems for Short time and again down Hyde’s right but there was just no one to get on the end of his crosses.

As the game entered injury time, Lane won Hyde a corner with the delivery falling onto the head of Tom Dean, his header hit the underside of the bar and the ball landed over the line to the Hyde players' celebrations. However, the linesman said the ball hadn’t crossed the line to the shock and frustration of the home players and supporters, and both sides shared the points.

By George Rothwell