Piggott rides blues to victory!

By Garry Clarke Pictures John Hopkins

AN inspired 62nd minute substitution by manager Michael Clegg, when he replaced Adama Sidibeh with Joe Piggott, proved decisive as Warrington Rylands extended their unbeaten league run to 11 games by beating Hyde United 1-0 at Gorsey Lane.

Two minutes after being introduced Piggott got on the end of a ball played into the Hyde area, with his first touch of the ball he crashed a shot down off the underside of the crossbar. Despite Hyde’s protests, the Geoff Hurst-esque goal was given after the referee had consulted with his assistant.

Joe Piggott scores – Picture John Hopkins

In a first half of few chances, Sidibeh kept Hyde goalkeeper Sam Waller on his toes with several shots which he did well to save as well as keeping out attempts from Ben Hardcastle and on debut loanee Owen German.

Rylands goalkeeper Luke Pilling, bar for taking a few hopeful high balls played into his area, was a virtual spectator for much of the first half but had to be alert in the opening minutes of the second to save from Lewis Alessandro.

A few minutes in the second half Sidibeh received the ball on the edge of the Hyde area, with his back to the goal he turned and unleashed a shot which Weller did well to hold above his head.

Weller was almost caught out with five minutes to go when James Baillie’s volley from distance whistled inches over his crossbar.

Having posed little threat previously, after falling behind Hyde came more into the game as an attacking force in the closing stages. Jack Redshaw floated a free kick just over Pilling’s bar from the edge of the area and Calvin Harper flashed a shot high and wide of the target as Rylands held on for the three points.
rylands
RYLANDS – Pilling, Smith, Swaby-Neavin, Butler,Regan, Kyffin (Thiam), Hardcastle, German, Sidibeh (Piggott), Touray, Bakkor (Baillie). Subs not used Hurst.