Late goal sinks Heys

A goal three minutes from time gave neighbours Radcliffe FC a 2-1 friendly victory as Prestwich Heys returned to action at Adie Moran Park.

After last seasons’ problems with waterlogging, Heys have carried out extensive work on the pitch in the summer. Having been forced to cancel three pre-season home games whilst the pitch recovered, there was some irony that the pre-match build up was marked by a deluge!

It was Heys who started the livelier against their Evo Stik League Division One North neighbours. Justin Pickering went close with a low shot before Michael Itela then saw an effort deflected wide.

Radcliffe managed by former pro’s Jon Macken and Frank Sinclair had a couple pf half chances but were unbale to trouble Heys keeper Michael Smith.

Indeed, it was against the play when Radcliffe took the lead on the half hour through Scott Metcalfe. A free kick to the right of the penalty area was whipped in as a cross, eluding everyone to nestle in the bottom corner of the goal.

It was the prelude to some concerted pressure from the visitors as they gained the initiative but some good defence from Heys kept them at bay.

Radcliffe maintained their momentum at the start of the second half. Rick Smith nearly doubled their lead but his shot was cleared off the line by Jacob Holt.

The introduction of Jamie Baguley saw Heys begin to gain a foothold in the game as his midfield promptings provided the basis for some neat football that culminated in an equaliser in the 58th minute.

As Heys pressed, the ball broke outside the area to Jamie Baguley who drove a super low shot into the bottom corner.

In an entertaining encounter, Radcliffe responded, and Smith pulled off a great save to tip a shot from a trialist onto the bar.

However, it was Heys who looked to be finishing the stronger and Itela was denied by a stunning double save by Radcliffe stopper Ollie Martin.

To Heys agony though, three minutes from time Radcliffe got forward to score. Some great passing in and around the box, unlocked Heys defence and Ben Wharton steered home from close range.

Heys almost grabbed a last gasp equaliser but Itela’s shot was tipped over by Martin.