Match Preview

Jon Lyons crosses in our 2013 Lancashire Shield meeting

Heys return to League action on Saturday when they make their first ever trip to Longridge Town.

The sides have met only once previously, in a Lancashire Shield, 1st Round tie, in 2013 when Longridge ran out 3-1 winners at Adie Moran Park.

There has been much water under the bridge since then with both teams progressing from their respective Manchester and West Lancashire League’s to the Hallmark Security League.

Longridge joined the League in the summer having finished third in the West Lancashire League Premier Division last season, behind Champions and fellow League newcomers Garstang.

Town have made a solid start to the season. They started with a 5-3 home win over AFC Liverpool on the opening day of the season, having trailed 2-0 early on.

A last gasp equaliser, in their next game at Daisy Hill, secured a 3-3 draw before a goal in the 4th minute of injury time, scored by former Heys man Lee O’Brien, saw them beaten 3-2 at AVRO last Saturday.

Heys come into the game in buoyant mood after their FA Cup triumph over Abbey Hey last Saturday. The victory gave Heys three wins from three to open the season, after League successes over Bacup and Ashton Town.

However, as Joint Manager Ryan Hutchinson said this week, Heys have not really fired on all cylinders as yet and he believes there is still more to come from the team.

The past record of West Lancashire League sides across various competitions, and the start Town have made to the season, suggests that this will be the game when those extra gears will have to be found.

Admission Prices: £5 Adults, £4 Concessions, Under 16`s FREE
Programme Price: Free with Entry
Directions: From M6 South, exit at J31a and follow signs to Longridge. On entering Longridge take left fork at Old Oak pub. Continue to ground on lnglewhite Road.