Short and McKenna goals hit Hyde

Witton Albion maintained their 100% home record at Wincham Park so far this season as they defeated Hyde United 2-0.

A goal in each half, the first from James Short and a second from Danny McKenna, gave Carl Macauley's side all three points against a strong Hyde outfit.

The Albion boss went with the 11 players who ended Saturday's 0-0 draw at Scarborough, with James Murray restored to the starting XI in place of Kyle Hawley.

It was a strong start from the hosts, Will Jones and Murray almost capitalising on some hesitation in the Hyde defence in the early stages.

But they didn't have long to wait before the opening goal, as on 11 minutes, a deep cross from the right found James Short who cut inside and fired home on his right foot through a sea of bodies in the penalty area.

Midway through the first half, Witton had Player of the Month for August goalkeeper Chris Renshaw to thank for maintaining their advantage.

The Albion number one produced a smart save to deny Tom Pratt who had fired a powerful effort from the right edge of the penalty area.

The home team were close to doubling their lead soon after, as Cesaire Lingouba did well on the right and his dangerous cross just about found the outstretched Will Jones at the back post, but sliding in, he was unable to steer his effort on target.

Renshaw was again called into action to deny Pratt who had found himself in space 12 yards out, while at the other end, Lingouba and Murray had goalbound efforts before the half time interval.

The beginning of the second half saw a scarcity of goalmouth activity, with just an indirect free kick given for a back pass of any note, Short firing over from the set piece.

But the game livened up in the final 20 minutes, starting with a nice move which saw Murray fire narrowly wide after good link up with Jones.

Then centre-back Adam Anson tried an audacious lob of the Hyde goalkeeper. Spotting him off his line, Anson fired goalwards from fully 45 yards but the shot-stopper reached high enough to get a touch to turn the effort around the post.

Albion did get their second with six minutes remaining, the ball finding its way to Danny McKenna who took a touch before slamming home past Luke Mewitt.

The visitors huffed and puffed to try and get a goal back, but they couldn't break down an excellent Witton backline which kept its second clean sheet in a row.

Witton Albion: Renshaw; Byrne (Sorensen 87'), Short, Wardle, Anson, Goulding; McKenna, Smart, Lingouba; Jones (Hawley 90'), Murray (Edwards 90').
Subs not used: Hassan, Neild.