On a bitterly cold afternoon Heys warmed the hearts of their supporters with some fine football and clinical finishing to maintain pole position in the table on goal difference from Royton, who have played three games more.

It took only five minutes for Heys to open their account with Sousa going clear to score.

Atherton did enjoy plenty of possession but they were then put to the sword by a devastating spell of attacking play that saw Heys score five goals in seventeen minutes.

Sousa added his second in the 29th minute to set the ball rolling and completed his hat-trick in the 38th with a long range finish.

In between Lee Bruce had scored Heys third and on the stroke of half time Paul Tierney headed a fifth.

Within a minute of the restart Tierney made it 6-0.

Heys had further chances but it was not until the 75th minute that they added to their tally as George Powell dribbled through to round the 'keeper and score.

Tom Jackson pulled one back for Atherton straight away but it was only a consolation on a satisfying afternoon for Heys.

Full report to follow.

The Reserves home game with Rochdale Sacred Heart was postponed.