Heys topple Georgians

Prestwich Heys boosted their chances of avoiding relegation from the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division with an impressive 3-0 win over Stockport Georgians last Saturday.

Goals from George Powell in the first half and second half strikes from Grant Mody and Mark Fitton gave Heys their third successive victory to shoot them from the foot of the table, out of the relegation zone and up to fourth bottom which, if maintained, would guarantee their survival.

Heys knew this was a must win game against a Georgians side who arrived at Grimshaw Park unbeaten in their last seven matches and they made a bright start with some lively early attacks.

Georgians began to settle though and moved the ball around with the confidence gained from their recent run, but they were up against a tigerish Heys who chased and harried them at every turn.

With Paul Tierney, Shane Birtles and George Powell showing plenty of pace and movement in attack Heys began to create chances.

From a Powell corner, Shaun Johnson saw a shot blocked on the line before Birtles tried his luck with a low shot from long range.

Heys enterprise paid off in the 15th minute as Joey Booth won possession to feed Tierney who played a superb diagonal ball behind the visitors defence for Powell to chest down into his stride and go on and drill the ball home for the opening goal.

Playing with confidence Powell and Birtles both went close with shots and although Georgians were enjoying their fair share of possession it was not until the half hour that they carved out a real opening when headed wide from a near post cross.

Powell and Tierney linked again shortly after with the latter seeing his shot saved at the foot of the post before Shaun Johnson seized on a loose ball to rifle a shot against the bar on the stroke of half time.

After a good first half showing, the half time talk was whether Heys may rue not having added to their total, thoughts which seemed justified in the opening moments of the second period.

First Damien Rooney had to palm a free kick over and then only a timely clearance from Jon Lyons prevented an equaliser.

However, in the 50th minute Heys got the breathing space they wanted with the all important second goal. From a free kick Brad Lyons centred and Grant Mody rose above everyone to power home a header.

Mark Fitton went close with a header from another Brad Lyons cross on the hour before the same combination produced another goal in the 63rd minute.

This time it was from a corner and after Fitton’s initial header was blocked he seized on the loose ball to hammer home and seal the points.

As it stands, Jon Lyons’ side still have to win their last two matches to be sure of staying up but four points may do it as that would leave Heywood having to win their last two and make up a goal difference of 13 in Heys favour.

Heys face a huge game at fellow strugglers Dukinfield Town on Tuesday night (April24th) which will have significant bearing on both sides hopes before the final game of the season sees AVRO visit Grimshaw Park on Saturday (2pm).