Air Miles Manchester League Premier Division

WYTHENSHAWE AMATEURS...1

PRESTWICH HEYS...3

AFTER two weeks of inactivity, Heys returned to action with a trip to South Manchester.

A positive result was necessary, not only to keep pace with leaders Royton Town, but also to protect an unbeaten league run that stretches back to August.

Heys' approach play was soon rewarded when Derek Watson gave them an early lead. But Ammies equalised after 20 minutes through Lamb.

Ammies then went close to going in front, when a speculative shot hit the inside of a post, with Heys keeper Rooney beaten.

Heys were then awarded a penalty by the referee, but it was then rescinded by the linesman, who had raised his flag for offside prior to the incident.

Watson and Uddin were a constant threat to the Ammies' defence, and it was Watson's strength that restored Heys' lead, shaking off the attentions of two defenders before finding the corner of the net with a superb shot.

Five minutes before half-time Heys netted again. A Rooney clearance was controlled by Watson and his first time pass found Uddin in space, and he coolly stroked the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 3-1.

The second half proved goalless, with Walters, McGee and Cunningham shutting out the Ammies' attacks, while Dydyna's distribution set up opportunities for the Heys' attack, who came up against an eually obstinate Ammies' defence.

The three points mean that the race for the championship is now a straight fight between Prestwich and Royton.

HEYS: Rooney, Dydyna, Cunningham, McGee, Walters, Shaw, Kavanagh, Lyons, Garrick, Uddin, Watson. Subs: Jolly, Orrell, Slater.

On Saturday at Sandgate, the first team entertain Irlam MS, kick-off 2.30pm, while the reserves travel to Irlam. Last week they beat New Mills 2-0 at Sandgate, with Ahmed and Parry on target.