May inspires Reds to a well earned draw

From Taylor to Tinnion, everyone contributed unlike recent displays on the road where some of the personnel have gone AWOL.

And if there was to be a winner, it would have been more likely to come from Reds who created the slightly better chances in an even contest.

Three changes to the starting XI from Saturday included ‘new signing’ Kyle May who took to the 3G surface for his 545th start, nearly eighteen months after what we all thought was his final appearance in a Workington shirt.

The veteran admitted he had never been as nervous for a Reds game in his career but the concern was unfounded as he emerged a man-of-the-match contender. Apart from a rash challenge which earned the defender a booking, it was a near faultless display at the heart of a defence which has looked rather fragile in his absence.

With many stepping up to the mark, it would be unfair to hand all the plaudits in May’s direction but, without doubt, his return inspired others.

A bright start saw the visitors register the first shot on target via a Jason Walker free kick. Hyde’s ‘keeper, Peter Crook, made a scrambling save at the foot of the post and there was some debate as to whether he made the save of the match in Reds’ next attack.

Kieran Maguire sent a well struck twenty five-yarder towards goal with the ball hitting the crossbar. Did Crook get a finger tip to the ball or not? Either way, it was a close call with Maguire a tad unlucky not to register his first league goal for the club.

The ball rebounded to Sam Joel but he lost his footing and was unable to get a decent shot away.

May and Conor Tinnion had half chances following free kicks but both were well wide of Crook’s goal.

The Tigers were a bit toothless in the first half and Tom Greaves, recently player-manager of FC United of Manchester, headed wide after meeting Janni Lipka’s free kick.

The only other scare for Reds was a ‘shanked’ Dan Wordsworth clearance which spiralled in the air towards his own goal before May booted the ball clear into the night sky.

Hyde threatened more after the break but Crook was still the busier ‘keeper with Aaran Taylor rarely troubled.

Greaves, Tom Pratt and Lipka all had attempts at goal, none of which were on target.

Crook, meanwhile, made another desperate save to keep out a Tinnion free kick then collected a May effort via another set piece.

Pratt then came within inches of opening the scoring with his cross-shot brushing the foot of Taylor’s right hand upright. And a thumping shot from former Workington player, Kyle Brownhill, forced Taylor into his first authentic save of the evening.

That was after Joel almost won it for Reds at the other end. Released by Walker’s sublime pass on the half way line, Joel raced clear and faced Crook in a one-on-one situation. The striker did everything right until he attempted to go round the ‘keeper, who grabbed the ball off the striker’s toes to ensure a first ever goalless draw between the teams.

A more upbeat David Hewson was satisfied with a good night’s work.

“In terms of an away performance, I cannot fault the lads but we just lacked that cutting edge that might have produced that all important goal. The way we defended was much better and looked more organised than of late, restricting them to very little and creating a few chances ourselves.”

On May’s return he added, “I knew exactly how he would fit in, it was almost perfect and typical Kyle May. He leads by example and the way he plays is infectious.”

Hyde United Crook, Harrison, Brownhill, Hughes (Roberts, 62), McCombe, Fagbola, Pratt, Lipka, Greaves (Chilaka, 79), Daly (Rothery, 72), Porritt. Substitutes – Brown, Hodges (not used).

Workington Taylor, Douglas, Mellen, Wordsworth, May, Hubbold, Joel (Mossop, 90), Maguire, Walker, Allison (Holt, 80), Tinnion.
Substitutes – Olsen, Tidy, Rowntree (not used).

Referee Conor Brown, Rochdale

Bookings: Hughes, Fagbola, Brown (Hyde United), Allison, May, Maguire (Workington).

Attendance 227