Connor Heath’s second half screamer secured a successful turn around for Leek Town, as they picked up three huge points against The Tigers of Tameside to climb into 17th place in league.

After a bowing out of the FA Cup last weekend against Bromsgrove Sporting, a brace from the forward turned out to be enough for The Blues to gain their second league win of the season and hopefully kickstart their campaign.

Josh Brehaut brought Connor Heath, Billy Reeves & Hayden Campbell into the starting eleven at the expense of Jacob Towns, Alex Hurst and Zak Emmerson who all dropped to the bench.

The Blues nearly got off to the perfect start just inside the first minute against The Tigers, when some excellent buildup play led Connor Heath to break through the Hyde United backline. Despite this, his effort on goal went narrowly wide of the post.

More chances arrived to Leek Town in the early exchanges with the away side carelessly sacrificing possession, however long range efforts from Connor Heath and Hayden Campbell went well wide away from the opposition goal.

The Tigers had a chance of their own from a corner in the 15th minute, when a back-post header from Harry Ditchfield forced Kornel Misciur to tip the ball onto the crossbar and away from danger.

Another opportunity came to Hyde United two minutes later, when a cross into the box met unmarked captain Brad Roscoe, who’s header went over the bar.

Progressing through the first-half, the next opportunity arrived at the feet of Connor Heath who managed to hold the ball up really well as he laid the ball off to Hayden Campbell, unfortunately his effort was unable to hit the target.

Just one minute later, The Blues cheaply gave the ball away which led to a Hyde United counter-attack. The Tigers found a way through the Leek Town backline, and Dontai Gabidon clinically tucked the ball away into the back of the net past the outstretched arm of Misciur.

Trailing at the interval, it was another game where Leek Town had to figure out a way to turn the game around if they wanted to pick up their second win of the season.

LEEK TOWN 0 - HYDE UNITED 1 FT

Alex Hurst was brought into the action as the second half began for Alex Panter and it was the exact reaction that manager Josh Brehaut would have wanted, Leek equalised in the 48th minute courtesy of a powerful header from Connor Heath that found the net.

After several short corners in succession the Lucas Weir swung one in from the right to the far post here Heath had lost his marker to head home.

Just minutes later the game was nearly completely turned around, when Hayden Campbell lashed the ball onto the crossbar from around thirty-yards which had goalkeeper Jordan Asthma completely beaten.

The game continued to be entertaining with both sides working hard and creating chances but the standout moment of the evening was on 60 minutes when Connor scored his second.

From a Heywood throw Connor Heath got the F.Ball Community Stadium off its feet, with an absolute rocket from forty yards out. He turned Brad Ruscoe, spotted Eastham off his line, and struck the ball into the back of the net with a superb half volley to send the Blues fans into raptures.

With 30 minutes left to play, Leek Town were holding onto the lead against The Tigers for the first time in the game.

Despite the turn around from The Blues, Hyde United kept applying pressure, with attempts on goal from Jes Uchegbulam and Max Mccarthy which both went wide.

Leek had chances too with the industrious Jack Griffiths and a header from Hayden Campbell going over the bar. On 69 minutes Heath made way for Emmerson with the big man combining well with Hurst on the left.

On 76minutes the game was nearly put beyond Hyde as Buckley broke from the right and crossed the ball back to Campbell, he hit a first time volley again with ball crashing against the post and bar leaving Eastham beaten.

Hyde began to press as Leek defended deeper and on 89 minutes, Hyde United crossed a corner into the box which was met by Ruscoe, but an outstanding point-blank save from Misciur denied The Tigers a late equaliser.

The referee indicated 5 further minutes and with good game management, desire, fighting spirit and determination Leek Town clinched the victory.

A morale boosting win which was greeted by exuberant cheers from the Blues faithful.

LEEK TOWN 2 - HYDE UNITED 1 FT

The Blues travel to Worcester City away on Saturday 26 September in the FA Trophy which will see the month out - the game being played at Malvern Town.

Our next home game is now Tuesday 6 October against Warrington Rylands you can buy tickets HERE

MATCH REPORT BY ASH POTTER

You can view Jim Booth MEDIA GALLERY HERE