NOT the greatest win but it still counts – that was the verdict of Gloucester City manager Dave Mehew after his threadbare team beat Hyde by a single goal on Saturday.

With an injury-ravaged squad the 42-year-old was forced to name himself on the bench after Mitchell Bryant pulled out during the warm-up.

Mehew's ten-minute cameo gave the crowd of 402 another reason to cheer as City held on and secured their third straight home win thanks to a Mike Symons goal.

"Fair play to the whole squad," said Mehew.

"It was in the face of adversity, especially with losing Mitchell before the game.

"We had four subs including me as a striker.

"I don't like playing myself but I had not choice.

"It is a fantastic three points, the whole squad can be pleased it was a brilliant performance."

With Hyde manager Neil Tolson, a relative spring chicken at the age of 36, also on the pitch and playing up front for the entire game, Mehew said it was unusual.

He said: "There's not many times that has happened in the Conference, but that showed the injuries across both squads.

"I had to come on because I only had two right-backs on the bench (Neil Mustoe and Callum Preece)."

With at least nine senior squad members nursing injuries, Mehew said training this week would be lighter than in previous weeks.

"We played head tennis on Thursday and it might be proper tennis on Tuesday," he joked.

"It's important for everyone to come in, but it will be very light training to get the wounded fit again."

Striker Symons said Mehew had more of an impact in a half-time dressing down than he had done on the pitch.

Symons bagged his fourth goal of the season to claim the three points and paid tribute to Mehew's half-time blast.

"We got a kick up the backside at half time and it worked," he said.

"They attacked well in the first half, but we defended brilliantly and kept us in it.

"Credit to the back four and midfield four, we didn't do much up front.

"I missed a couple and Marc Richards headed one wide.

"We had pace in attack but still managed to defend well."

Symons thanked his team-mates for helping set up his goal.

He said: "Will Morford went to head it and I ran behind him.

"It was nicked around the corner to me and I had a touch.

"The keeper came out and I struck it through him.

"It wasn't the cleanest strike but I'll take it."