The Tigers have won the Blue Square Bet North championship to confirm promotion to the Conference for the first time in the club’s history.
Once the final whistle was blown after the Tigers’ 4 – 1 defeat of Boston, all eyes were on Guiseley who had beat Bishop’s Stortford if they were to maintain their title challenge.
Despite Guiseley being a goal down, the Lions’ knack of performing remarkable comebacks this season meant that Ewen Fields had to suffer a nervous wait – made even more unbearable when the news of 6 minutes of injury time at Nethermoor filtered through.
With eyes glued on mobile phones, the confirmation that Guiseley had suffered their first defeat in 2 months spread in a matter of seconds, with Mike Pavasovic’s announcement over the public address system sparking jubilant scenes among the players and supporters that will never be forgotten.
The title represents a massive turnaround in fortunes for the club, who escaped relegation to the Evo-Stik League on the final day of the 2010 – 2012 season and were 50 – 1 outsiders to win the championship with some bookmakers when the odds were announced last August.
New manager Gary Lowe and his assistant Martyn Booty completely rebuilt the side over the summer, with just one player – former Rochdale loanee Callum Byrne – surviving from the previous season’s great escape.
A remarkable run of 10 consecutive wins at the start of the season saw the Tigers storm to the top of the table after 4 games, a position that, after a slight dip of form in October, was regained in November and was never relinquished.
Stalybridge, Halifax, Nuneaton and Guiseley have all threatened to challenge Hyde for the title during the season, but the Tigers have kept their nerve to win the league with a game to spare.
Keep an eye on this page over the coming days for more updates and reaction from a never to be forgotten season.
In the media
Gary Lowe is on a high after Tigers clinch promotion – Manchester Evening News
Hyde FC crowned Blue Square Bet North champions – Tameside Radio
Online reaction
A collection of the best tweets from supporters, players, management and opponents from 4.53pm – the moment Hyde clinched the title – and onwards, are available to view on Storify.
