Heys earn pre-season win at Wythenshawe

Goals from Ash Cata and Kaiden Barlow gave Heys a 2-1 pre-season friendly victory at Wythenshawe Amateurs this afternoon.

With only one week left to the start of the season this was a good workout for Heys against their one-time Manchester League rivals who finished fifth in NW Counties Division One South last season.

On their first visit to Hollyhedge Park, Heys started brightly with Connor Berry drawing a save form the keeper and Scot Cullen just failing to get a head on an inviting cross.

Adam Farrell was next to test the home goal with a 20-yard free kick before Heys pressure told in the 29th minute. Replacing Danny White, who had picked up a knock, Cata made a swift impression with a shot through a crowded goal mouth that found the bottom corner.

The home 'keeper then twice denied Heys. First, he pulled off a terrific save to thwart Dylan Fitzgerald, following good work by Farrell. Then, Berry was denied from 12 yards out.

However, on the stroke of half time, Heys hard work was undone as the hosts swept forward to equalise with a finish from 12 yards.

After the break, Heys picked up the pace with Berry going close again and then Mitch Bryant had the ball in the net only to be denied by an offside flag.

In the 65th minute, Heys regained the lead. A ball over to the left found Barlow who cut inside and produced a lovely strike, as he buried a shot into the bottom right.

Barlow threatened again in the 75th minute but was brought down in the box to give Heys a penalty. However, Berry's spot kick was to hit the post.

Moments later it was Barlow again as he went through to round the keeper and shoot only for a defender to get back on the line to clear.

Heys almost paid the price for not putting the game to bed in the 85th minute, but Russ Saunders was alert to save a shot from 20 yards out.

This was a good work out for Heys who played some fine football to the delight of their travelling fans.

The final pre-season test comes on Monday night when New Mills visit Adie Moran Park, 7.30pm.

Match reporting by Rick Barrett