Ever since Heys entered the Manchester League back in 1986 the two clubs have engaged in some classic and fiercely fought encounters at both ends of the table.

East were the first ever visitors to Sandgate Road in 1992, following our move from Grimshaws, and if Heys should make it to the North West Counties League they will be the last.

The clubs meet in differing circumstances. Whilst Heys are hoping to move up, for East their long association with the Premier Division looks to be ending by them going the other way, by relegation to the First Division.

The Gorton side have had a horrendous season and have looked doomed throughout. However, they still have a mathematical chance of staying up after a good run of form in the later part of the season following a change of Manager which brought Eric Nield into the fold.

East have collected three wins in their last seven games after having only won two all season prior to that. However, defeat today will confirm their relegation.

It’s been a horrendous run in for Heys. Outside title hopes turned into looking for a top five spot for promotion to the North West Counties League. Now a run of four defeats in the last five has left that hope hanging precariously and anything but a win today will all but extinguish those hopes.

A lack of fire power has not helped Heys with injuries and unavailability having stripped them of Chris Denham, Paul Tierney and Ben Lever for the run in and intermittently Conor Landers and Ash Blake.

They will hope for better on Saturday as these two old foes come together once again. Its match that rarely disappoints but one way or the other one or both these sides will end up feeling that way come 4pm on Saturday.

Admission £2/£1 includes programme