Hyde hoping for lengthy partnership

Hyde chairman Stephen Hartley hopes the success of the big kick-off for his club's historic partnership with the Blues is a sign of things to come.

City's Under-21s, who will play reserve home matches at Ewen Fields as part of the unique deal, beat Hyde 2-0 in front of 620 fans on Saturday to mark the new relationship.

Chairman Hartley said: "It was a beautiful day - a good game with good football, a good atmosphere and a good, appreciative crowd.

"We've a contract for three years but we would like to see it going a long way beyond that. I hope that all the people who came from City enjoyed it as much as we did.

"We've seen a real transformation in the facilities here - our ground is now absolutely superb and full credit to Manchester City Football Club for what they have done."

Hyde secretary Tony Beard (pictured), who presented City Project Manager Phoebe Marshall with a magnificent bouquet, was equally delighted at the clubs' blossoming partnership.

He declared: "It was a fantastic day - the ground looked good and the pitch played well. The crowd was better than we could have hoped for, given the weather a couple of hours earlier.

"There were plenty here from City and we want to build on that. We should get more through the gate for the first three home matches against United, Aston Villa and Arsenal.

"Those games will generate real interest, and the fixtures work quite well - when City are away, we're at home. We'll have to get both sets of fans interested in the other team!"

Hyde will mark their 125 years with a celebration dinner. Beard added: "A special match with City would be wonderful, but we'll have to see. We're hoping City will be involved in Europe well into the New Year."