PRESTWICH HEYS 0, ATHERTON TOWN 0: Tuesday night saw Heys' biggest crowd of the season witness history being made, as the Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division title was finally won, although the game was in doubt right up to the kick-off, due to the heavy rain of the previous 24 hours.

However, the large crowd was entertained by both teams, despite fighting out a boring scoreless draw.

Heys needed the early goal to calm any nerves they may have had, but Atherton are a strong side and even though Heys had the majority of attacking options, they kept the scoresheet blank.

Indeed, it was only a brilliant one-handed save by Tommy Allen that prevented them from taking the lead.

No goals at the break, although it wasn't for lack of effort and a similar scenario emerged for the second half.

The pitch held up well despite the earlier rain and Valentine, in the Atherton goal, was their hero on more than one occasion, his efforts giving Atherton hope they could still get a goal themselves and destroy Heys' title hopes.

They even went close to a winner five minutes from time when Allen turned a shot onto the bar before the ball was cleared off the line.

This scare gave Heys the resolve to play out the remaining minutes without any alarms, and the referee's final whistle gave them the point they needed to take the trophy, first played for in 1883.

The cup was presented to Heys' captain Carl Lomax by league president Phil Morris and then the celebrations began.

After the game Heys were officially invited to represent the league in the National Non-league Knock-out competition, a tournament for leagues at level five in the national pyramid.

And sucess in that event could even see the club representing the league in mainland Europe next season.

Having finished runners-up last time out and having been in contention all of this season, it is fitting the club finally received its just rewards.

Credit must go to the players, manager, Adie Moran and his head coach, John Hunter for all the hrad work they have put in.

Praise is also due to all the other people behind the scenes who have made such a marvellous contribution during the season.

Heys: Allen, Hutchinson, Cunningham, Walters, Doran, Price, Dormer, Roberts, Lomax, Uddin, Coldridge. Sub: Howson.

PRESTWICH HEYS 6

SPRINGHEAD 0

THE most important four days in Heys' recent history started last Saturday when Springhead visited Sandgate for the penultimate league game of the season.

Needing a minimum of four points from two games to clinch the premier division championship, Heys started as though they intended to get the 21 goals that they needed to overtake Irlam MS in the goals scored column.

Strikes from Andy Sensale (two), Carl Lomax and Abid Uddin in a 20-minute burst gave them the cushion they were never going to relinquish, and it was only through the efforts of Paul Buckley in the Springhead goal that the scoreline was kept to reasonable proportions.

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Four up at the break, the game was already won but goals still came in the second half, with Carl Lomax getting a second to consolidate his position as the league's leading scorer and a sixth from 16 years old, Reece Hardie, who, during his brief period of action, showed himself to be a player of immense promise.

With 15 minutes left, Heys gave a debut to 16 years old goalkeeper, Mark Lewis, who, despite a lack of action, did what he had to do in a capable fashion.

Victory set the stage for Tuesday night's title decider and we all know what hapened then!.

Heys: Allen, Hutchinson, Cunningham, Walters, Doran, Sensale, Howson, Price, Lomax, Uddin, Coldridge; Subs: Kavanagh, Hardie, Lewis.