Atherton Town 3 Prestwich Heys 2

Gilgryst Cup First Round

PRESTWICH HEYS' involvement in league and county cup competition came to an end at early pacesetters Atherton Town on Saturday, writes Norman Dearden.

After their dismal performance at Wigan a week ago, Heys regained some self-respect, and but for a lack of self-discipline, could well have achieved a result as they dominated the game for long spells, despite being 2-0 down

after ten minutes.

They gave Rod McDonald a debut in goal and he could not have had a more disastrous start as, after four minutes, he lost possession attempting to clear his lines to leave Danny Christie an easy chance.

His head didn't drop, however, and he put in a fine display for the remainder of the match.

On eight minutes, Jon Garrick made an intelligent break in midfield and was well into the penalty area when his heels were clipped from behind, but Heys' strong claims for a penalty were ignored.

To add insult to a poor decision by the referee, Atherton broke clear and Lewis took control of a fine crossfield pass to finish well, giving McDonald no chance.

At 2-0 down after ten minutes, Heys had to make a positive effort and this they did with Alex Ritchie pulling a shot wide before Lee Smart got a goal back on 22 minutes, beating two defenders and the 'keeper to score an excellent goal.

Heys had fought back well and were controlling the game, Garrick being denied by a good save from Osbourne, but in 39 minutes, Scott Dowds got possession 40 yards out, and, with no apparent danger imminent, he let fly with a right-foot screamer that flew into the top corner of the net.

So Heys were 3-1 down at the break, but were still the stronger of the two well-matched sides. Three minutes into the second half, Smart again showed his immense footballing talent by taking on defenders before unleashing a thunderous shot into the top corner of the net.

Heys were pushing hard for an equaliser, but the final touch was elusive.

The referee, who apart from his refusal of a penalty had had a good game, then infuriated both sides by handing out three cautions for offences that were unwarranted, taking into account the competitive nature of the game.

These had an adverse affect on Heys, and it culminated in the dismissal of Smart, who should have controlled himself rather than have an argument with the referee's assistant. Manager Joe Murty remonstrated with the referee, but he would not listen to his protests and despatched him from the

touchline.

Right on time, Karl Kavanagh had a free-kick well saved and Atherton held on to progress to the next round.

Hey indiscipline has now earned them a red card in each of the last three games, and their progress this season will be severely hindered if they continue that sort of statistic.

PRESTWICH HEYS: McDonald, Massey, Brierley, Peters, Moran, Harrison, Kavanagh (K), Ritchie, Smart, Garrick, Thompson. Substitutes: Kavanagh (J).

Heys' reserves continued their good form by beating Elton Fold 4-1, the goals coming from Leon Huller and Alex Skelly, who netted two apiece. Heys travel to Irlam Mitchell Shackleton at Salteye Park,

Barton tomorrow, whilst the reserves entertain Wythenshawe Town (both ko 2.30pm).

Sunday proved to be something of a red letter day for Heys as both the Under-18s and Under-17s defeated strong Morecambe sides.

The Under-18s came back from 1-0 down to win 2-1, Lee O'Brien hitting two spectacular efforts to seal the win.

The Under-17s travelled up to Morecambe for their game and won 2-0, Andy Morrissey putting Heys ahead from the spot before Anthony Sansale doubled the lead for a great win.

Sunday sees the Under-18s travel to Merseyside to take on Northfield Juniors, whilst the Under-17s welcome Rochdalians to Sandgate (ko 2pm).