Late controversy as Heys bow out of Cup

Prestwich Heys slipped out of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Gilgryst Cup at the first hurdle last Saturday amidst last minute controversy.

After a hard fought and at times ill tempered encounter Heys thought they had forced extra time when Danny Johnson headed home from close range with time almost up. However, the wild celebrations were cut short when the linesman’s flag went up for offside and with the referee blowing for full time moments later Heys cup hopes came to an end.

It was tough on Jonathan Lyons’ side who put up a battling performance against the Premier Division leaders. They more than held their own in a highly competitive first half and although forced back on the defensive in the second half they rallied well after falling behind.

On a windy, bitterly cold afternoon both sides struggled with the elements with the better football arguably coming from Heys as the hosts found the wind at their backs more of a hindrance than of any help.

Nonetheless, Heys showed good organisation and spirit against a side unbeaten in its previous ten games and as both sides battled for supremacy there were a series of coming togethers as the tackles flew in.

It was half an hour before the first real chance of the game with Easts Adam Stones breaking from halfway before shooting straight at Damien Rooney.

The Heys ‘keeper then excelled in the 35th minute with a superb close range save to deny the dangerous Jamie Byrne before Heys responded with a Grant Mody header which flew just wide.

The second half opened with Easts applying the pressure with Heys, like their hosts had in the first, finding the wind of little assistance. Byrne went close with a shot and Danny Williams shot across the face of the goal as Heys defended stoically.

However, their resistance was broken in the 67th minute when from a free kick Byrne steered the ball home.

This was the prelude to a raft of substitutions with manager Lyons introducing himself and new signing Ben Knight into the fray.

The move almost paid dividends with Knight forcing Easts ‘keeper Paul Crompton into a fine save low down. The home side had the ball in the net again shortly after but it was ruled out for offside as the pace intensified.

It was Heys though who were doing all the pressing, forcing a flurry of corners as they sought an equaliser, one which they thought they had got when Johnson headed in a deep driven cross from close range in the 90th minute.

It was not to be for Heys though but they can take great heart from this display against a very good East Manchester side.

Heys return to league action on Saturday with a trip to sixth placed Stockport Georgians (2pm).

The Reserves who lost 3-0 at East Manchester on Saturday face Old Alts at Grimshaw Park (2pm).

The “A” team saw their game with West Didsbury postponed last week and face league leaders Springhead “A” this Saturday at Close Park (2pm).