The pre-season friendly was part of Heys Family Fun Day and it looked for the first hour of the game as if the home side were going to mark the event with a win as they opened a 2-0 lead.

However, the visitors, who were promoted from the North West Counties 1st Division to the Premier last season had other ideas, as they launched a spirited comeback capped by a late winner.

It was certainly a game of two halves with Heys bossing the first. Playing some fluent football, they always had the edge on their opponents taking the lead after just 10 minutes when good work by Jamie Baguley provided Erike Sousa with a simple tap in.

The only blemish on Heys opening forty-five minutes was that they did not go into the interval further in front.

However, that did not seem a problem when they doubled their lead within three minutes of the restart. Baguley was again influential, showing great close range control in pulling a cross out of the air to tee up Ash Reece to slot home.

However, Irlam made several changes in personnel and the fresh legs made a difference as they pulled a goal back in the 55th minute with a super shot from the edge of the area from Grimshaw.

On a humid afternoon, the unavailability of nine players, limited the options from the bench for Manager Jon Lyons and it took a great save from ‘keeper Daniel Havern to preserve their lead.

However, in the 75th minute Irlam did pull level. A ball in to the box was seized upon by Icely who turned sharply to rifle a shot into the far corner.

Heys came close to restoring their lead almost straight away and probably should have as two shooting opportunities were squandered in a scramble before George Powell’s effort was cleared off the line.

As it was, against tiring legs, Irlam pressed for the winner and with two minutes remaining they clinched victory when a low cross was diverted into the net via a Heys defender.

Earlier in the day, Prestwich Heys Vets defeated John Moran’s Select 5-0 in the Adie Moran Memorial Trophy tie. The trophy was presented to Captain Jon Monks by special guest ex-Champion boxer Jamie Moore. (pictured)

Heys Reserves opened their Atherton Charity Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw at Pennington. Mark Westhead was the scorer.

Heys final pre-season friendly sees them host Ramsbottom United at Adie Moran Park on Saturday (3pm).

The season starts on 6th August when Heys welcome Widnes for their first Hallmark Security League fixture in 30 years (3pm).