Warrington Town 2 Hyde United 1 talking points

FOR a while, this game looked to be going the same way of last week’s draw with Basford.

Yellows were on the front foot for most of the second half, but their inability to carve out a breakthrough looked like letting Hyde off the hook.

Looking at the games ahead of them, and the gap that was threatening to open up to teams above them, this was a game Town needed to win.

The players’ celebrations of Jake Kirby’s winner told you all you needed to know. It was a true indication of what this three points meant to Town.

They have been in a funk for the past month or so, but could this be the start of them returning to form?

READ > Yellows 2 Hyde 1 - match report

> Kirby’s big moment

AFTER the dream start of scoring on his debut, things have not quite happened for Jake Kirby in his loan spell from Stockport County.

He has often impressed with his pace, strength and industry but the clinical touch has been lacking – someone typical of Yellows as a whole this season.

However, he stepped up when his team really needed him yesterday – and what a strike it was.

That 85th-minute winner will be huge not just for his confidence, but that of the squad as a collective.

His loan spell expires after next week’s trip to Marine and if it is to be his last game in yellow, he will be keen to leave his mark.

Jake Kirby celebrates his late winner - the second goal of his loan spell from Stockport County. Picture by John Hopkins

> Subtle changes make the difference

PAUL Carden has made no secret of the fact he has been pondering a change of system from his preferred 4-4-2 in recent weeks.

On Saturday, he made a slight alteration as he sent his side out in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Bohan Dixon replacing Josh Amis in attack.

He operated in a deeper role just behind Tony Gray, and it brought out the best in him. Having the freedom to drift between midfield and attack certainly suits his unpredictable style.

He almost capped what was one of his best displays in a Yellows shirt with a stunning goal – his first-half curling effort was bound for the top corner and it took a superb save from Hyde stopper Peter Crook to keep it out.

Gray deserves plenty of credit as well. He too likes to drop off the front but showed excellent tactical discipline to fight his urges and remain in the conventional number nine position.

READ > Yellows boss on win over Hyde

Playing in a slightly deeper role brought the best out of Bohan Dixon. Picture by John Hopkins

> Bold substitutions rewarded

YELLOWS could consider themselves unlucky when skipper Mark Roberts was forced off after he was caught in the eye by a flailing arm.

However, when his replacement Luke George could not continue after picking up a quadriceps injury after the break, one could not help but think a higher power was toying with them.

Paul Carden, though, remained bold, brought on striker Josh Amis for George and reshuffled his side.

Robbie Evans moved to right-back, Mitch Duggan to centre-back and Bohan Dixon dropped deeper, with Amis joining Tony Gray up front.

He proved a handful for the tiring Hyde back three and his hold-up play proved critical as Town held on for a vital three points late on.

Josh Amis ruffled feathers in the Hyde defence after coming off the bench. Picture by John Hopkins

> Well Dunn

FOR various reasons, Jack Dunn has found himself on the periphery this season.

He has struggled with injury and has also spent time on loan at Widnes, but an injury to Dylan Vassallo handed him a chance to return to the matchday squad.

From the moment he replaced Jack Mackreth on Saturday, he sparkled.

Hyde’s tiring defenders could not cope with his pace and footwork, while his set-piece deliveries caused havoc and eventually led to Jake Kirby’s winner.

Paul Carden praised his performances in training during the week, so could he just be clicking into gear?

Jack Dunn made the most of his chance against Hyde. Picture by John Hopkins