Hyde gave us the test we needed – Fearn

Evo Stik Division One South

Frickley Athletic manager Spencer Fearn

Spencer Fearn described Frickley Athletic’s narrow 1-0 win over Hyde United as the kind of game his side needed.

After recent heavy victories, Frickley had to grind out a result – secured by Josh Nodder’s wonder goal – and Fearn was pleased with what he saw.

“I don’t think there was much between both sides,” Fearn told Non League Yorkshire.

“I think for the first 30 to 35 minutes we did well and they came into it and created a few chances. I would say it was fair that it was 0-0 at half-time.

“We started really well in the second half. We said at half-time that we had to really up the ante because we were flat in the last ten minutes of the first half.

“They came out and kept the ball well. The movement was great, the work rate was better and then Josh Nodder scored a fantastic goal.

“I think it took a bit of deflection, but it was a super finish.

“Hyde then came back into it and had a few opportunities. I think they’ll be a force to be reckoned with this season.

“That’s by far our hardest pre-season game, but I’m glad because we needed a work-out like that.

“We have scored a lot of goals in the five games previously, but this was nip-and-tuck. It could have gone either way.”

With ten days to go until the start of the new season, Fearn has added two young players to his squad.

“Ryan Ferguson who is 19 and was at Leeds United has signed with us,” he said.

“He’s a bright lad who plays up-top or in the centre of the park.

“There’s also Lewis McMichael who was released by Scunthorpe United at the end of last season.

“He can play on the right or left and has a fantastic engine and can deliver superbly.

“These are good young lads. We’re looking at a squad size of about 19 now.

“There’s a few players who have approached us recently, but we are quite happy where we are with the squad.

“They are gelling and working hard in training. They are a great set of lads.”