'Beaten in every department' - Kelvin Davis endures miserable debut as Hednesford Town boss

Hyde, despite coming into the game in the midst of a 14-game winless run, were more than worthy of the victory, on an afternoon which saw them run riot against Davis' promotion contenders.

New recruit Tunde Owolabi put Hyde two ahead before the break, then Damon Park, Jack Redshaw and Dontai Gabidon got in on the act for the Tigers in the second half.

Saturday not only saw a first win as Hyde boss for Michael Clegg after three successive draws, but also helped the hosts move four points clear of the relegation zone.

It was a far more sobering feeling in the opposite dugout for Davis, who was appointed earlier in the week after the Pitmen made the decision to part company with Gavin Hurren.

Reflecting on their performance, Davis said: "The word shame does spring to mind, to be honest. It was a tough afternoon, no doubt about that.

"We were probably beaten in every department today, which was a surprise, I'm not going to lie.

"We came here prepared to get the ball down and play, on a tough but flat surface, but that wasn't what lost us the game. The reality of football is that you have to win your duels, win your tackles, run harder than the opposition, and we were outdone in every department.

"The bottom line is that if you don't make tackles, run, and have that edge to want to win games of football, you're going to struggle.

"That's at any level, in any country and any league. If you don't do the fundamentals of the game then you'll lose, and we lost today by a country mile. It's disappointing, frustrating."

Saturday's defeat saw Hebburn Town move a point clear of Hednesford at the top of the NPL Premier Division table, the Hornets drawing 1-1 with fellow title challengers FC United of Manchester.

But for Hednesford, who have now failed to win any of their last four matches, a sticky patch of form has left them playing catch-up, with Hebburn still with one game in hand on the side immediately below them in the table.   

Speaking post-match, Davis challenged his players to show an attitude and desire which he felt were lacking during a disastrous afternoon in Greater Manchester.

He added: "We know that when you put a Hednesford shirt on, there's a level of performance and an attitude that you have to show. That wasn't there today, to a man.

"I spoke to the fans after the game. I'm a big believer that supporters come to the game to support their team, see them win, but also [for the players to] show maximum effort.

"If they walked off the pitch having given maximum effort, you can be forgiven for sins, whether that's a missed tackle or chance.

"You want to see that as a Hednesford fan, and I understand their frustrations."

The Pitmen return to action next Saturday at home to Lancaster City, who remain within touching distance of the play-offs.