Stockton Town fell to a heavy 3-0 defeat at Hyde United.

After a rapid start from the visitors, Stockton were unable to find their rhythm, and were punished by a clinical Hyde side.

Michael Dunwell was aided by the return of Kevin Hayes, who finished his suspension, and Ryan Barrett was named on the bench for the first time in nearly a month.

But within the opening 90 seconds, when a cross from Dontai Gabidon was poked past Nathan Harker by a Stockton defender.

Josh Scott was gifted a golden opportunity in the 15th minute by the goalkeeper, but he looked across goal for the wide open Michael Sweet but his pass was weak and gathered by the goalkeeper.

Not long after, Ben Kershaw added a second, somewhat against the run of play, when he was picked out by a cross from the left and slotted home.

Stockton piled the pressure on for the remainder of the half, and had a couple of half-chances but couldn’t trouble Li-bau Stowell in the Hyde goal.

Half-time: Hyde United 2-0 Stockton Town

After three half-time changes and a switch in set-up, Stockton pushed to get back into the encounter, but were quickly shutdown by a third for the hosts on the 57 minute mark, when Dontai Gabidon somehow sneaked a shot past Nathan Harker.

Jake Petitjean very nearly gave Stockton a lifeline with a low effort from close range, but he was denied spectacularly on two occasions, with the follow-up from Josh Scott also blocked by a defender.

Nathan Harker made a number of solid fingertip saves to keep the scoreline at three, but that was all Stockton could be pleased with towards the end, as they were beaten on the day.

Full-time: Hyde United 3-0 Stockton Town