Match Preview

The wait is nearly over. On Saturday, Heys will step out at Adie Moran Park to play their first ever game in the North West Counties Premier Division, the highest level at which they have ever played.

That the opening game is with Northwich Victoria is perhaps a fitting first fixture that reflects the level of company Heys will be keeping this season.

Vics, formed in 1874, are one of the oldest clubs in the country being founder members of the 2nd division of the Football League and established as one of the biggest names on the Non-League circuit.

The teams have met in friendly fixtures in recent years, but the last competitive fixture was in November 2018 in the FA Vase 2nd round. The sides drew 0-0 at Adie Moran Park in front of a crowd of 182 before Vics won the honours in the replay with a late goal giving them a 1-0 win.

League wise this will be the first all first team game between them. The only previous League meetings between the clubs were in the 1964-65 season in the Manchester League where Heys first team met Vics Reserves losing 2-5 at home but drawing 2-2 away. Lee Grimshaw is pictured below in the Vase match at Adie Moran Park.

Northwich were third and tenth in the last two curtailed seasons but came fourth in the last full season to be completed. Their squad this season shows a nice blend of youth and experience and includes a couple of familiar faces in Joe Camozzi and Matty Waller who have figured against Heys in recent seasons for City for Liverpool and Shelley respectively.

They will provide a stern test for Heys opening assignment, in many ways the game will act as a benchmark for what they can expect in the Premier Division.

Nonetheless, Heys have made some eye-catching signings in the Summer and will approach the game looking to make an early impression. In many ways it is a free hit, the new kids on the block free of outside expectations. It will be that perception that Matt Barnes will be looking for his side to change come 3pm.

Match Information:

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

Telephone: 0161 773 8888 (match days only)

Come and watch Prestwich Heys and enjoy our hospitality including a 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.

We have a covered standing area for approx 80 people and covered seating for 53.

There's free on-site parking for around 150 cars on the front and down the length of the motorway side of the ground. Please do not park on Sandgate Road or surrounding streets.

Hard standing around the entire pitch.

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.

2021/22 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 towards Whitefield, turn right into Clyde Avenue continue over traffic lights onto Thatch Leach Lane, turn right at the Frigate Public House, over motorway bridge, ground 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.