Willows 1 Prestwich Heys 6

AIR MILES Manchester League Premier Division

LEE SMART made a dramatic return to action for Prestwich Heys last Saturday, scoring four times in a comprehensive win over Willows at Salteye Park, writes Steve Howard.

After a six-week absence through suspension, Heys' leading goalscorer was in irrepressible form as he made up for lost time, scoring twice in each half to re-establish himself as the Premier Division's leading marksman.

With Brandon Jolly continuing his fine run of form with Heys other two goals, it added up to a fine finish to the year for the Sandgate Road side, who are still well-placed for a Championship challenge in the New Year.

The only blemish on the day was an unsavoury incident in the closing minutes when Smart appeared to be trodden on and then found himself dismissed for alleged retaliation against Smith. who was also sent off.

However, afterwards the referee indicated, after consultation with his assistants, that he had been wrong to dismiss Smart and would rescind the red card.

On this showing, it is a decision that could have a fundamental bearing on the remainder of the season, as Smart undoubtedly adds an even greater cutting edge to a side that already is, by far, the competition's top scoring team. With several of their competitors at the top dropping points, this was a big win for Heys in more ways than one, lifting them back up to fifth place in the table after losing ground with defeats in each of their two previous outings.

It was not just the size of the victory, but the manner in which it was achieved that was impressive, with Heys producing some superb passing football at times that

suggests that if they can eradicate the inconsistency in their performances which has dogged them in the first half of the season then they could take some stopping.

After a quiet opening to the game, Heys burst into life in the 15th minute with a superbly worked goal.

Mark Leacock and Dave Betts worked a nice position in midfield for the former to find Jon Garrick down the left.

The influential Heys midfielder then split the defence with a fine through ball for Paul Buckley and the frontman skinned his marker before crossing hard and low for Smart to come in and slide home from close range. Heys were enjoying their football and Buckley's pace created an opening for Betts in the 28th minute, but his shot smacked against the crossbar.

Garrick was having a field day in the middle of the park and he went on a solo run before driving a shot at the 'keeper as Heys sought to increase their lead against a Willows side who, despite the promptings of their top

scorer Houghton in midfield, were struggling to stay in the game.

Leacock was next to go close after a Smart centre was only half cleared, but almost on the stroke of half-time Heys underlined the superiority with a second goal from Smart.

Jolly unlocked the Willows defence with a deft chip for Smart to run onto and, as the ball bounced, he headed over the advancing 'keeper to enjoy a clear run on goal and the most comfortable of finishes.

As was to be expected, Willows made a determined start to the second half to push Heys back, but with Tim Stokes and Neil Rhodes commanding in the heart of defence, the home side were limited to long range efforts from Houghton and Parks, which did little to trouble Damien Rooney in the Heys goal.

Leacock eased the pressure with a run and shot that fizzed past the post before Heys effectively sealed the game as Smart completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute.

Jolly brought the ball out of defence for Heys and carried it deep into home territory before picking out Smart on the edge of the area.

There still seemed little on, but the Heys striker, quick as a flash, teed the ball up and sent a crashing volley flying past Darnton for a spectacular finish.

Buckley missed a chance to add to Heys tally as he shot straight at the 'keeper when clear and Jolly went close with a shot before goal number four arrived in the 70th minute via the penalty spot with Jolly slotting home after Wrigley had handled a Buckley cross.

It was now too easy for Heys as they cut through the home defence almost at will and Smart notched his fourth in the 80th minute running onto a Garrick pass to blast the ball home with aplomb.

Willows, to their credit, hung on in and gained a consolation in the 86th minute when Houghton's enterprise brought some reward, with his pass giving Smith the chance to lift a shot over Rooney.

Moments later though Smith saw red along with Smart, but when all calmed down normal service was resumed as substitute Mark Isherwood, a recent signing from Elton Fold, crossed for Jolly to score Heys sixth with a diving header.

PRESTWICH HEYS: Rooney, Massey, Ormes, Stokes, Rhodes, Betts , Leacock, Garrick, Jolly, Smart, Buckley. Substitutes: Turner, Brierley, Isherwood. Heys title ambitions go on the line in the next fortnight. Third-placed Stockport Georgians visit Sandgate next Saturday (12th Jan), but before then Heys face a tough trip to second placed Leigh Athletic tomorrow (kick-off

2pm).

Heys have been drawn against North West Counties League First Division Atherton Collieries in the Goldline Trophy semi-finals. The date is yet to be arranged.

The Reserves had no game over Christmas due to the weather, but are set to visit Stockport Georgians tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

Heys Under 18's put themselves into serious title contention in the North West Youth Alliance Premier Division with a stunning 2-1 win at leaders Burscough last Sunday.

Extending their unbeaten run to six games, Heys swept into a two-goal lead with goals from the prolific strike pair of Lee O'Brien and Andy Moores before then showing their defensive capabilities to survive a home onslaught

after Burscough pulled one back.

The win puts the Heys' youngsters within two points of Burscough at the top.