Match Preview

Heys welcome Pilkington to Adie Moran Park looking to bounce back from Saturday’s hugely disappointing loss to Burscough.

It was certainly not the start they were hoping for and the manner of the loss was unexpected. However, if there are any positives that can be taken from the game, one is that it happened in the first match of the season. It gives plenty of time to put things right and highlights any issues early on. The first loss of a season always hurts, particularly amidst the optimism of the opening day. However, it is often that first defeat that shows the true mettle of a side. History is littered with teams that have blistering starts to a campaign that they struggle to maintain once that first loss kicks in.

The challenge for Heys is to respond, this is a squad that came seventh last season and which has been strengthened in the Summer, but nothing can taken for granted. The League looks like being very competitive this season and Heys cannot afford too many performances like Saturday if they are to push on from last year.

Pilkington arrive with a huge spring in their step. They won First Division North last season by two points from Chadderton, losing only once in the process. In doing so they scored the most goals, had the best defensive record and the most clean sheets in the Division. It was the culmination of four years of steady progress since they joined the League in 2019.

They entered the season with that bounce that all newly promoted teams have, capitalising on that momentum to record a 2-0 win at Squires Gate on Saturday in their opening fixture.

With the visitors looking to further establish their Premier Division credentials and Heys to get rediscover theirs it promises to be a fascinating evening.

The sides have met just once before back in the 1995-96 season when on the 7th October 1995 Heys won 2-0 in a Lancashire Amateur Shield clash with Mark Christian scoring both goals.

MATCH INFORMATION

Ground: Adie Moran Park, Sandgate Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6WG

Telephone: 0161 773 8888 (match days only)

Licensed bar in the clubhouse serving hot and cold drinks, hot and cold food/snacks and equipped with televisions and seating for around sixty people. Gents and Ladies WC's are also located in the clubhouse. An additional serving hatch is available adjacent to the Seated Stand.

There are separate toilet facilities inside the ground. These are located in the red building block to the left of the turnstiles as you enter the ground.

We have a covered standing area for approx 150 people and covered seating for 100.

There's free on-site parking for around 150 cars on the front and down the length of the motorway side of the ground. Car park Stewards will guide you to a space. On entering the ground at present you will note there are presently Cabins on the Car Park, reducing capacity.

However, there is now additional Car Parking available down the whole length of the motorway side of the ground.

On arrival if you find the front Car Park full, please proceed across the Car Park, past the turnstiles to the end of the ground perimeter and then turn right to use this additional space.

We would ask that you do not double park or cause a blockage on the front Car Park. Also please do not park on Sandgate Road.

Please do not park on Sandgate Road or surrounding streets.

Hard standing around the entire pitch.

Pyrotechnics are banned. This includes Flares, Fireworks and Smoke Bombs. Anyone carrying pyrotechnics will be subject to a Football Banning order.

Supporters are also reminded that is an offence to enter the Playing Area and doing so can result in a Banning order.

The Club does not allow Dogs into the ground. The only exception to this rule is for Disability Support Dogs.

Please note out of consideration to our neighbours Drums and other Musical Instruments are banned from the ground. Visiting supporters are asked to also refrain from placing flags on the Clubhouse / Seated stand side of the ground.

2022/24 Admission Prices: Adults £7, Concessions £4 (over 65's and students with valid student card), Under 16 's and under FREE.

Programme Price: £2.00

Directions: M60 to junction 17 head towards Whitefield, take first right into Clyde Avenue and continue over the traffic lights onto Thatch Leach Lane, turn right at the Frigate Public House, go over the motorway bridge, the ground is on the left.

Nearest Railway: Besses O`Barn Metrolink Station, Bury Old Road. Turn right out of station and follow directions as above.

Nearest Bus Route to Ground: 135 from Manchester to Bury Route, alight at Besses o Barn and follow directions as above.