Penalty shoot out triumph at Whitchurch

Heys came from behind to go on and secure a penalty shoot-out victory at Whitchurch Alport in the Macron Cup 1st Round.

The two sides, who were promotion rivals in the 1st Division for two seasons before Alport’s promotion last year, produced another absorbing encounter in front of 212 crowd at Yockings Park.

The hosts, unbeaten in their last seven games, made a flying start, taking the lead inside four minutes when Callum O'Connor's ball over the top found Arron Johns who lobbed Heys keeper Michael Smith.

Indeed, the hosts enjoyed the better of the opening stages but as the half progressed Heys came more into it.

It was pattern that continued into the second period and in the 69th minute Heys levelled with yet another 25-yard strike by Chris Baguley (pictured).

Heys had the ball in the net again moments later but the effort was ruled out for offside.

With neither side able to add to their tally the game went straight to penalties, with Captain Jake Wood stepping up first to score for Heys.

Keeper Michael Smith then continued his impressive form since returning to the side by saving Alport's first spot kick taken by Matty Ashbrook.

Both sides then exchanged successful penalties. Jacob Holt, Chris Baguley and Carl Fitton were successful for Heys before Mark Ayres preserved Heys 100% success rate from the spot with the decisive fifth strike. Remarkably, four of Heys five penalty kicks were by defenders.

The game also saw debuts from the bench for new signings Dominic Butler (from Atherton LR) and Hensley Mills (from Daisy Hill).

TEAM: Michael Smith, Darius Photiou, Jacob Holt, Danny Warburton, Mark Ayres, Jake Wood (Capt), Chris Baguley, Jamie Baguley, Lee Grimshaw, Justin Pickering, Rio Wilson-Heyes Subs: Michael Itela, Mark Baguley, Hensley Mills, Dominic Butler, Carl Fitton