By Arandeep Singh Dhillon & Tom Paterson
Hyde suffered a cruel defeat after they lost 4-3 at the death away to Dartford on Saturday to make it nines defeat in a row.
An 87th minute strike from hat-trick hero Matthew Godden left Scott McNiven’s men at the bottom of the table with two points from 16 games as they continue to struggle in the Skrill Premier.
“It’s heartbreaking for the lads because they came here and they’ve put in a great display and it’s another game where we should’ve got three points,” said McNiven.
“The talent that we’ve got in that changing room should be scoring three goals, it’s been a frustrating run in front of goal for the lads but you can see how hungry they are and they are determined to turn this round,” he said.
In the Conference North Stockport County drew 2- 2 with Gloucester City at Edgeley Park after relinquishing a two goal lead
Alan Lord was looking for an improved performance from his players after their FA Cup exit but they had to settle for a draw in a game that they really should have won.
“I thought it was going to be a win, we were 2-0 up and we should’ve finished the job off,” said Lord.
“It was Sunday league defending, long ball down the throat, deal with it, can’t deal with it, bang and then we get done again by something half similar, it’s not good enough.
“I try and say it as it is, it’s a home game and I don’t care who we’re playing I’m trying to get a win and we had that win halfway in the bag but then the garage doors opened.”
At the top of the table Altrincham moved up to joint first after they beat third-placed Brackley Town 1-0 at Moss Lane.
James Walshaw’s strike just before half-time sent Lee Sinnott’s men level on points with Hednesford Town who only managed a 2-2 draw with Workington.
“It may not have been the most exciting game but the result was more important than the performance,” Altrincham assistant manager Neil Tolson told the Non-League Paper.
“We put in a good performance that restricted Brackley to just a few chances. We will celebrate a victory that points us joint top and move on.”
In the FA Trophy first round qualifier, Ashton United suffered a shock defeat to Sheffield FC after a fine hat-trick from Zephaniah Thomas on Saturday.
The St Kitts and Nevis international added to his fine record since arriving and was clinical in front of goal as his side restricted Steve Halford’s men all afternoon.
However, it was a good day for Trafford as they thumped Wakefield 6-1 in the cup at Shawe View.
A Michael Oates hat-trick and goals from Rees Welsh, Chris Palmer with a late penalty for Shelton Payne ensured progress for Garry Vaughan’s men.
FC United will have to face a replay after they were denied by a late Joshua Hancock penalty at Witton Albion.
After falling behind, Matthew Walwyn and Matthew Wolfenden put United 2-1 up but the late drama snatched victory from their grasp.
Curzon Ashton and Mossley both ensured they remained in the competition with wins but Droylsden bowed out with a poor performance after losing 3-0 at home to Nantwich Town.
Salford went down 2-1 as visitors Warrington Town claimed three points in the Evo-Stik North first division encounter despite a strike from Aaron Walters.
Image courtesy of Iain Lees, with thanks.
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