It was a hard earned but deserved win for Jon Lyons' side who controlled the game for long periods and were ultimately rewarded for their persistence on an afternoon when it seemed things might not be going their way.

In the first half Conor Landers saw a shot a come off the crossbar, Phil Woodcock had a shot cleared off the line and an obvious penalty was declined when Shaun Johnson was brought down.

The half started and ended with Rob Sadler making good saves to serve warning on Heys that despite their more limited possession Vale, who boast an impressive away record, were more than capable of taking something from the game.

Heys upped the ante in the second half and within moments of the restart were awarded a penalty when George Powell was brought down. However, the Heys left back then lifted his spot kick over the bar.

An uneasy feeling that this was going to be one of those days grew on the hour when an Eyres shot smacked against the crossbar. However, fears were rapidly extinguished as with Vale struggling to clear their lines the ball broke back to Eyres to rifle home from close range.

With the deadlock broken, Heys soon added a second in the 65th minute. A rash pass from a Vale defender saw the ball fall to MacKay, who not for the first time showed his ability to finish from distance, as he lifted the ball over the 'keeper from 35 yards out.

The win keeps Heys 3rd in the table behind Stockport Georgians and Walshaw and maintains their promotion push.

Full report and images to follow.

The Reserves cup tie at Uppermill was postponed.