After the nervous win over Stockport Georgians in midweek, this was an assured performance from Heys who, save for a brief spell in the second half, controlled the game and might have won more handsomely.

Hindsford are the most successful Manchester League side of recent years having won the title in three successive years between 2012 and 2014.

Squires Lane is always one of the most difficult places to visit and represented a significant hurdle for Heys but they came through the test with flying colours.

In a season where Heys have been lauded for their football, this was a day when they also showed they can battle it out. On a hard, bobbly surface Heys showed real grit to win the midfield battle allowing their football to take over as they picked up three huge points.

From the off, the tackles flew in and the referee took time to speak to the home Captain Mark Chilton early on after one too many from the hosts.

It was from one such incident that Heys almost took the lead in the 10th minute but Max White’s 20 yard shot came off the post.

Moments later, Paul Tierney got in behind the defence and crossed for Dalton McLaughlin but the Heys midfielders shot was wide.

Nonetheless, there was a good tempo about Heys play. Danny White and Brad Lyons were working hard in the middle of the park to stifle the hosts and when they did find space Jake Wood and Liam Foster were quick to snuff out the danger.

The pace of Darius Photiou, Erike Sousa and George Powell out wide and the movement of Tierney upfront gave the hosts plenty to think about and the breakthrough came in the 31st minute.

Sousa broke down the right and played a great ball in behind the defence for Tierney to show a clean pair of heels and steer the ball low into the far corner.

The hosts created their first chance almost immediately from the restart but Luke Sylvester fired wide.

However, Heys continued to look comfortable with some intelligent play , utilising the pitch and conditions to good effect.

It was a policy they were able to use to more telling effect in the second period. Playing down the slope and with a flatter surface to play their football on they began to really the stretch the hosts.

Sousa found space but shot into the side netting. Tierney then skinned Chilton to roll the ball across the face of goal where only a super last ditch tackle prevented Sousa forcing the ball home.

The pressure finally told in the 57th minute when some great interpassing created space for Tierney to steer the ball goal wards with the back pedaling Chilton’s efforts to keep the ball out in vain as he applied the final touch.

Hindsford responded with purpose, Sylvester fired just over from a free kick, before Powell then delivered a superb last gasp clearance to hook the ball away from a Ryan Briody effort.

The 65th minute though was to prove defining. Firstly, Rob Sadler rushed from his line to save at close range from Jack Toone.

It was a valuable save, which was underlined as immediately the Heys keeper kicked downfield and with the home defence all at sea, Sousa applied the finishing touch to give Heys a three goal advantage when it might easily have been down to one.

With the game won Heys might have added to their tally in the closing moments as McLaughlin and Jon Stephenson were both thwarted at close range.

Heys will be crowned Champions if they gain a point at home to Wythenshawe Amateurs on Tuesday night, 6.45pm