Weekend Preview: Heys end the year as they started

Heys last league game of 2014 is a repeat of their first of the year.... away to Rochdale Sacred Heart.

On that occasion the game was played at Darwen Academy as the clubs sought to beat the rain and fought out a 1-1 draw.

This weekend's game will again be up against the elements although Hearts Belfield Mill Lane ground did beat the weather last weekend in staging a Reserve game.

Besides the weather there are other similarities to that day back in January. Both teams go into the game in similar league positions, Hearts are second from bottom (they were then 3rd from bottom) and Heys are eighth (then ninth).

It took a last minute penalty to deny Heys victory in January but Jon Lyons will be looking for his side to ensure they get the three points this weekend to maintain momentum on the back of wins in the last two league games.

Hearts go into the game on the back of four successive defeats in League and Cup but are obdurate opponents on home soil.

Heys will of course be without Erike Sousa , who signed for Hyde, last week, but will be boosted by the return of strikers Chris Denham and Conor Landers for a vital game on which to end the year.

Hearts play at Fox Park, Rochdale

Belfield Mill Lane, Rochdale OL16 2UB.