McCann’s lads playing with spirit - but it’s points that are needed

BURSCOUGH conceded after just 18 minutes at home to the Tameside based Tigers, but doggedly stuck in the game before having to admit defeat on 81 minutes.

If they had had a bit more attacking strength they might just have got a point for their efforts too.

Hyde were on a mission and needed the three points to maintain their push for a promotion play-off spot at the end of April, so it was no surprise that they initially carried the game to Burscough.

Burscough defended well early on and on 14 minutes they had the first good chance of the game.

The ball was worked well down the right side and was played into the area by Josh Nicholson, from where Adam Gilchrist hit a low shot that Hyde goalkeeper Russ Saunders had to go full length to push away.

It was however the visitors who were to grab the advantage four minutes later.

The ball was given away by Burscough and Big Khamsuk was put away down the right, he held off a challenge and as Burscough goalkeeper Richie Mottram came out to close him down, Khamsuk squared the ball to Matthew Beadle who was able to place the ball into an unguarded net.

It was a blow to The Linnets as it was becoming clear that there wouldn’t be a lot of goals during the afternoon and the opening one might well be crucial.

Hyde continued to have more of the possession but Burscough in the main were holding firm.

On 37 minutes Jamal Branker broke into the Burscough penalty area from the right and lofted the ball to the far post, up went Beadle but Mottram clung onto his headed attempt.

At the other end Jonah O’Reilly had one shot for Burscough that took a wild deflection, but sadly dropped just off target.

A minute into the secondhalf Hyde should have done better, with the Burscough defence all sucked to one side the ball was switched to Banker on the right, he cut in but wasted a good opportunity.

Goalmouth action became rare as the game wore on. Hyde’s Harry Coates blazed high and wide on 68 minutes and on 70 minutes Burscough won a free-kick, but John Holmes saw his effort saved by Saunders.

The match was finished off as a contest on 81 minutes. Substitute Chris Sutherland dribbled into the Burscough penalty area, Sean Richards tripped him and a penalty was given, Burscough could have no complaints.

Sutherland took the penalty himself and sent Mottram the wrong way to make it 2-0.

Burscough will play better and they certainly lacked teeth in attack, Keith McCann’s side have a terrific spirit, it kept them in the game against Hyde and that may well be their saviour, but they do need to start picking up points fast.