The impressive nature of both performances, particularly at Wythenshawe Amateurs last Saturday, has raised spirits at the club after a slow start to the season.

The results have lifted Heys into mid table but they still have work to do to establish themselves in amongst the leading clubs, of whom Dukinfield are one.

The Tameside outfit sit in fourth place in the table with fifteen points from nine games. They have suffered just two league defeats thus far, both against Wythenshawe Amateurs.

Heys will recall though that could well have been three defeats. Jon Lyons’ team were just a minute away from winning 1-0 at Dukinfield in August before the home team levelled.

That was a game of contrasting halves, Heys dominated the first half and Town had the better of the second but were kept at bay until that last gasp equaliser cancelled out Erike Sousa’s strike for Heys.

Town have pushed on since then and also made good progress in the Cheshire Cup where they defeated Witton Albion Reserves 6-1 last Saturday and so will arrive in Prestwich in good spirits.

On Heys part, Saturday’s win at Wythenshawe has undoubtedly set the benchmark. The level of performance was exceptional throughout the team and they know a similar performance will be needed both on Saturday and in the weeks ahead with tough fixtures against Wythenshawe, Monton and Walshaw on the horizon.

It’s a demanding run of games but they represent a real chance to make up lost ground on the leading pack.

Heys go into it with their squad the strongest it has been all season. Shaun Johnson and Luke Hodson both made comebacks in the Reserves last week after long injury absences leaving the suspended Chris Denham the only absentee.

Admission £2/ £1 includes programme