The winger’s treble allied to a devastating spell of five goals in seventeen minutes ensured a winning return to league action after suffering a first defeat of the season in their last outing two weeks ago.

There was never really any sign of Heys coming unstuck in this game which was again switched to Eccles College to ensure it went ahead.

Indeed, it took only five minutes for Heys to open their account. Paul Tierney paved the way with a great through ball to release Sousa who broke clear to slot home and give his side the perfect start.

Atherton, seeking points themselves to keep clear of the relegation zone, responded with some good possession but found chances hard to come by against a resolute Heys defence.

In contrast Heys looked dangerous whenever they came forward. Ash Reece got forward from full back to fire an effort that landed on the crossbar before a last ditch tackle thwarted Tierney.

Wes Bancroft then released Sousa who burst into the box only to see Town ‘keeper Lewis Murray save low down with his feet.

However, the mounting pressure told in the 29th minute. Lee Bruce broke down the right, cut inside and then slipped a great pass behind the defence for Sousa to slide the ball past Murray.

It was goal that set in motion a clinical spell of football from Heys. Four minutes later a great ball out of defence from John Blackley found Bruce who flicked the ball round his marker and went through to finish low down into the bottom corner.

In the 38th minute, Heys added a fourth. Sousa, who has struggled for his best form of late, was proving almost unplayable and underlined a return to his best with a stunning goal. Cutting in from the wing into a central position he scattered defenders everywhere, before unleashing a 25 yard shot that whistled into the net.

Great skill from Dalton McLaughlin saw him beat three men and carve another opening for Sousa but this time Murray was equal to the challenge.

However, on the stroke of half time Heys made it five. A free kick from Max White was swung into the box where Tierney ghosted in round the back to score with a deft header.

The half time break provided a temporary respite for Atherton but within a minute of the restart they shipped a sixth goal. Tierney broke from half way, played a one two with Bruce, before going through to fire across the Murray into the bottom corner.

A raft of substitutions and a hail shower dimmed Heys momentum a little but they continued to control the game and picked up the pace when Sousa and Jon Stephenson combined to create an opening for Shaun Johnson whose shot was held low down.
Mark Baguley then fired over before a great run from Sousa ended with Tierney just failing to connect.

In the 75th minute, Heys got their seventh when George Powell joined the attack, the left back going on a mazy dribble before rounding Murray and slotting home.

Atherton, though showed good spirit and hit back almost immediately, a break down the right saw Tom Jackson find space and he drilled a low shot into the far corner to ruin Rob Sadler’s hopes of a clean sheet.

However, it was to prove only a consolation goal as Heys picked up the three points to maintain pole position in the table from Royton, on goal difference, Heys having played three games less.

Saturday, see Heys home to Manchester Gregorians at Adie Moran Park (2pm) but keep an eye on the website www.prestwichheys.com in case of change.