Paul Mayo defends

Hyde became the first side win against Corby Town at Steel Park, as they recorded an emphatic victory over Graham Drury's men.

Both side's entered the match protecting 100% records in the Blue Square Bet North, however striker Scott Spencer proved too much for the Steelmen as he scored all four to ensure the Tigers added the accolade of the first opponents to win at Steel Park to their achievements, having been the last side to beat Corby at the Rockingham Triangle in May. 

Former Everton hitman Spencer was the star of the show, putting the home defence to the sword with a magnificent display.

Corby went into the game looking to build on their 6-1 victory over Bishop’s Stortford on Wednesday and started brightly, however it was Hyde who grabbed the first goal after 13 minutes. Striker Scott Spencer out-paced Delroy Gordon and poked the ball around oncoming Corby goalkeeper Mackenzie following a well placed pass from Ryan Crowther.

Andy Hall had Corby’s best chance of an equaliser in the first half, following up Matt Rhead’s knock-down with a half volley. Hyde goalkeeper Carnell was equal to it however, saving well down to his left.

The Steelmen started the second half as they had the first and went in search of an equaliser. Despite Corby’s pressing, Scott Spencer grabbed his and Hyde’s second of the game in the 50^th minute. A robust Gordon challenge led to a free-kick on the edge of the box for the visitors, which Spencer coolly dispatched from 25 yards. 

Sensing a change in direction was needed, boss Drury sent on three substitutions in Leon Hibbert, Sam Ives and Nick Rogan as the Steelmen looked to go on the attack. 

Any renewed hope gathered from the substitutions were extinguished just past the hour mark however, when Gordon was sent off for a second bookable offence. There was no argument from anyone in a white shirt as Gordon trudged off towards the changing rooms, his pull-back on Crowther both blatant and cynical.

Spencer sealed Corby’s fate shortly afterwards, his chipped effort majestically floated over Mackenzie’s head and into the top left-hand corner after he skipped past two weak Steelmen challenges. 

He added a fourth on 90 minutes, after Crowther skipped into the Corby penalty box unchallenged and rolled the ball into his feet. All the talented striker had to do was pick his spot and decide how to celebrate his fantastic double brace.

Corby: Mackenzie; McDonald, Gordon, Gulliver, Mayo; Hall (sub Ives, 55 mins), Ozmen (sub Hibbert, 55 mins), Towers, Burgess (sub Rogan, 55 mins); Rhead, Smith. Subs not used: Malone, Spruce.

Hyde: Carnell; Richardson, Havern, Renshaw, Pearson; Worsley, Birch (sub Birchall, 78 mins), Byrne (sub Evans, 70 mins), Crowther; Berkeley (sub Broadbent, 60 mins), Spencer. Subs not used: Fallon, Whitwell.

Referee: Steven Plane.

Goals: Spencer (13 mins, 0-1), Spencer (49 mins, 0-2), Spencer (77 mins, 0-3), Spencer (90 mins, 0-4).

Attendance: 793

Pictures By Mark Tucker