So that was 2018, a year in which Heys marked their 80th Anniversary by winning their first ever Trophy at semi-professional level, returned to the FA Cup, appeared on the BBC and Jon Lyons marked seven years and 300 games as Manager.

It was certainly a dramatic year, many highs but also the inescapable low of missing out on promotion from the Hallmark Security League Division One.

The year opened with a 3-0 win at Abbey Hulton, but the overriding theme of the early months was the Weather. Eleven games were postponed from January into mid-March, largely due to rain, but Snow also intervened, most notably for the long trip to Oswestry in January, only for the match to be postponed an hour before kick-off.

Heys were faced with a huge fixture backlog, still involved in two Cups and pursuing promotion, they undertook an exhausting spell of playing their final 23 games of the campaign (47% of the season) in the final 60 days.

It was a workload that inevitably took its toll. Heys were in the automatic promotion race going into the last four games of the League programme, but a 1-0 defeat to Whitchurch, exposed tired legs, that ultimately saw Heys finish third and end up in the Play-Offs.

There was more heartache to come however, as a 4-1 defeat to Cammell Laird in the Play Off semi-final brought an end to promotion hopes.

Thankfully, Heys had ensured a super season had ended with something to show for their endeavours. On a dramatic night in Runcorn, Heys lifted the 1st Division Trophy with a 2-1 win over Cammell Laird that included one of the most dramatic finishes to a game ever seen.

Heys had led through Jamie Baguley only for Lairds to level early in the second half.

As the game moved into the second of three minutes of added time, Heys John Main - only introduced as substitute in the 87th minute - picked up a pass on the right wing, cut across field, and unleashed an unstoppable shot that zipped into the net from 30 yards.

But the drama hadn't ended, as straight from the kick off Lairds went upfield, and twice came close to levelling in sensational fashion within the space of a few seconds.

First, Joe Malkin rifled in a 25-yard effort that beat Heys keeper Russell Saunders and rebounded off the post.

Following up, Matthew Carlin smashed the loose ball goal wards, but Saunders recovered quickly to get to his feet and make a quite amazing full-length leap to push the ball away to safety.

Moments later the final whistle sounded and Heys were victorious whilst Saunders and Main’s albeit brief spells at Heys ensured their place in club folklore.

The Summer was to bring to sad news with the passing of Mick Gilford, a long-time associate of the club as a Reserve Team Manager, Committee Member and Supporter, Gilly passed away in July.

The new campaign kicked off in August amidst glorious weather and a new era for the North West Counties League. An influx of new clubs and a restructure saw Heys in First Division North, but it was their return to the FA Cup after a 34-year absence that sparked the most interest.

A 2-1 home victory over Abbey Hey set up a derby with Radcliffe FC in the next round. A record crowd for Adie Moran Park (513) was joined by countless more around the country as the game was, incredibly, streamed live by the BBC.

Heys also were adopted by BBC Radio Manchester with Chairman Neil Gilmore interviewed four times by the station. Sadly, Heys went out 2-0 to Radcliffe but their profile was undoubtedly raised.

The Cups dominated the early part of the campaign with a run in the FA Vase seeing Heys beat Holker, Padiham and Garforth before succumbing to Northwich Victoria after a replay.

The defence of the 1st Division Trophy ended at the first hurdle as Heys were beaten 6-1 by Barnton, a result perhaps symptomatic of a stop start campaign, particularly in the League.

Heys have hovered around the mid to top half of the table for much of the season. Injuries have played their part, maybe to some extent a hangover from last season.

However, as the year draws to an end Heys are showing signs of finding their feet. A cold November night at Chadderton marked Jon Lyons seventh year and 300th competitive game in charge. It also saw Heys record the first of six successive League wins that see them head into 2019 in third place in the table.

They have only fifteen games left, a remarkable statistic, bearing in mind that glut of games in the Spring. All told Heys have played 64 games in 2018, winning 39, drawing seven, and losing 18. They have scored 161 goals and conceded 91.

2018 has been a thrilling, rollercoaster ride in which emotions have been tested in every way possible but it’s been another twelve months of undoubted progress for the club.

Here’s to 2019. Happy New Year!