Southport v Hyde
Report and pictures by Sally Devine
AMAZINGLY Southport had home advantage in their FA Cup 4th qualifying round v Hyde United. The Haig Avenue side had a dream start with a goal inside the first 2 minutes. A corner taken by Kevin Lynch rebounded to Steve Pickford who volleyed the ball high into the net to make it 1-0.
Hyde who came into this match unbeaten this season had a chance to equalise but Jamie Milligans shot was well saved by Dickinson in the Southport goal.
Kevin Leadbetter made it 2-0 when he glided past 3 Hyde defenders and scored from just outside the box.A third goal followed 2 minutes later when Mortimers pass was converted after two attempts by top scorer Terry Fearns.
Three goals to the good after 25 minutes but Southport then conceded a penalty, Jimmy Williams adjudged to have pushed Milligan.Steve Dickinson maintaining his excellent penalty saving record turned Salts kick onto the post and pounced on the rebound gratefully.
Shortly before half time Hyde reduced arrears with a goal from top scorer Neil Tolson.A corner was flicked on by John O Kane and the striker headed powerfully past Dickinson.
The second half was much less eventful Southport took their foot off the gas whilst Hyde struggled to make inroads past a resolute defence with Earl Davis having an outstanding game.
Southport's reward was to draw Hereford Utd in the first round proper of the FA Cup, which will be played at home on Saturday 13 November.
Attendance:- 1,179
Southport FC:-Dickinson / Williams / Mortimer / Kilbane / Davis / Morley / Lynch/Daly / Fearns / Leadbetter / Pickford
Hyde FC:-Mullock / Clegg / Hill / Jones / Milligan / O Kane / Gaynor / Salt / Tolson / Johnson / McNeil
