ATHERTON TOWN...5 PRESTWICH HEYS...1 Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division

A SEASON that has seen so many highs and lows came to an end this week

And it was unfortunate that the final two games slipped into the low category, with the last league fixture at Atherton resulting in a heavy defeat.

Maybe the guaranteed second place brought about a collective switch-off in attitude, but even that would be no excuse for a dismal first half performance that saw Heys trailing 5-0 by half-time.

The team did show a slight improvement in the second half, and a degree of self respect was recovered when John Garrick pulled a goal back, but it was never going to have a bearing on the result.

Tuesday night then saw Heys travel to Eagley - West Lancashire League Premier Division runners-up - for their Bolton Hospitals Cup, second round game, and lost again, this time 3-1.

From the kick-off Heys found themselves under pressure and defensive instability saw the home side take an early lead, from that point on there was no way back for Heys.

A third goal early in the second half put the final nail in Heys' coffin, with Oliver McGee's late strike five minutes from time scant consolation.

No doubt the club will now spend the close season regrouping, with manager Adie Moran no doubt having serious doubts as to the the current squad's ability to survive at a higher level on a consistent basis.

The reserves didn't fair any better, either, losing their final game 2-1 to East Manchester, to finish the season in seventh spot in division two.

However, there was some good news.

Last Sunday the club's youth team clinched the North West Youth Alliance First Division title, with a 10-2 demolition of Chorley.

This Sunday they have the chance of a double when they face First Touch Halewood in the delayed cup final.

The game takes place at Morecambe's Christie Park, kick-off 2pm.

The supporters' coach leaves Sandgate at 11am.