Heys romp to victory

The new era at Grimshaw Park got off to a flying start last Saturday as Prestwich Heys romped to an emphatic 5-1 at reigning Champions Manchester Gregorians.

After the midweek departure from the club by mutual consent of Bert Iannaccone new manager Jonathan Lyons thrust himself into the spotlight by putting himself in the starting line up in a side that included two new signings. Damien Rooney returned to the club in net whilst there was a new face in Shaun Johnson in the centre of midfield.

However, the remainder of the side was the same group of players who have figured throughout the campaign for Heys and they were led into action by Reserve team managers Andy Barlow and Andy Rushton who took charge for an afternoon which started in perfect fashion.

After a tentative opening, on a very lively artificial pitch, Heys took a 6th minute lead. Some nice interplay culminated in Nathan Tosum laying a deft pass in behind the defence to Lyons who planted his shot in to the top corner to provide a start to his reign he can only have dreamed of.

Although Rooney had to make a smart save shortly after Heys were making all the running and after Shane Birtles had seen a shot tipped round the post they increased their lead in the 14th minute.

Dylan Robinson floated a corner into the near post for Danny Johnson to run in and head powerfully home.

Lyons almost got his second in the 20th minute but was not quite able to get enough on the ball to force it home after the keeper had failed to hold a Tosum header.

Gregs were clearly stunned by Heys onslaught but began to assert themselves to put Heys under pressure. However, this was a team now brimming with confidence and spirit showing as they battled to preserve their lead.

It is testament to their efforts that for all the home sides possession it was Heys who came closest to scoring again with Birtles, revelling in a more advanced role, smacking a shot against the bar after a great through ball by Robinson.

Rooney came to the rescue on the stroke of half time with a fine close range save from former Heys striker, Martin Love.

Heys opened the second half confidently with Jimmy Kennedy and Tosum testing the ‘keeper before in the 64th minute it became 3-0 with one of the goals of the season.

Starting with a cheeky nutmeg in midfield by Shaun Johnson Heys moved the ball about swiftly stringing together eight or nine passes before full back Joey Booth went racing down the right wing to whip in a near post cross which Tosum met first time to smash the ball home.

A rampant Heys added a fourth in the 75th minute. As Gregs pressed to get back in the game forcing a flurry of corners Heys broke swiftly and within two passes Birtles was through one on one with the ‘keeper and kept his nerve to slot home.

The Champions continued to enjoy the lion’s share of the play and Rooney tipped a shot on to the post before Bobby Jackson broke Heys resistance in the 90th minute with a close range finish.

However, there was still time for Heys to put the icing on the cake. As the game moved into injury time Robinson swept an angled looping shot over the ‘keeper from outside the box to put the seal on a memorable afternoon.

Heys remain in trouble at the bottom of the table but have cut the gap, being now seven points off safety. This was a great performance and whilst there is still much work to do to avoid the drop this display will have lifted hopes that it can be achieved.

Heys face another stiff test on Saturday when they travel to 3rd placed AVRO. Kick off at the Lancaster Club, Broadway, Failsworth is 2PM.

The Reserves are in Open Trophy action at Grimshaw Park. Rochdale Sacred Heart are the visitors for a first round tie, kick off 1.30pm.

The “A” team came from behind to beat Dukinfield 4-2 last Saturday. They face Royton at Close Park this weekend (2pm).