PRESTWICH Heys kick-off the new Finnair Manchester League Premier Division season, by making the short trip down the M60 to face Willows at Salteye Park tomorrow (2.30pm).

The match will present a tough opening day hurdle for Heys, who lost both league games against the Salford side last season. An early season meeting at Sandgate Road saw Willows take the points with a 2-1 victory, and they followed that with a 1-0 win in the Spring at Salteye Park. Heys gained some revenge in between those games by winning 4-1 at Willows in the Gilgryst Cup and they will be hoping that result will provide a pointer to the outcome of tomorrow's opening day tussle.

Heys opening home league fixture of the season is next Tuesday night, when Springhead are the visitors to Sandgate Road (6.45pm). The Oldham side are regular midweek visitors to Prestwich, and the fixture has been one in recent seasons from which Heys have benefited. As recently as April, they recorded a 3-2 success that cemented their Premier Division status.

Stockport Georgians are the next visitors to Sandgate on Saturday, August 26, before Heys make the trip to Haslingden on August 29 to face champions Stand Athletic.

In the Gilgryst Cup, Heys have been drawn away to the holders Atherton Town on a date to be arranged.

Heys Reserves start the season at home to Wythenshawe Town at Sandgate Road tomorrow afternoon (2.30pm). It should prove to be an interesting afternoon for manager Paul Welsh and his side, as they make their first foray into open age football, having spent the last four seasons progressing through the Youth ranks of the club.

In their final pre-season friendly, Heys lost 4-2 to Salford City last Saturday. Fielding the Reserves in the first half, Heys found themselves 4-0 down at the interval as the youngsters, after a bright start, found the going tough against an impressive North West Counties League side. The introduction of a completely different eleven for the second half, comprising the bulk of the first team, saw Heys reduce the arrears thanks to goals from Chris Denham and Anthony Jackson.

Heys will have tickets on sale tomorrow afternoon for their Sportmans Dinner to be held on Thursday, October 26 at the Village Hotel, Prestwich. Tickets are priced £30 and the entertainment on the night will be provided by Wilf McGuinness, comedian Mike Farrell and GMR's Jimmy Wagg.