PRESTWICH HEYS 0 IRLAM 0 (Heys win 4-2 on pens)
SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2025 FA VASE 2ND ROUND PROPER ATT:254
Report by Paul Thomason
Pictures by Bethany Lee

The lottery of a penalty shootout proved decisive as Prestwich Heys booked their place in the third round of the FA Vase for only the second time in the club’s history — equalling their best-ever run in the competition.

Heys were the better side for much of the game, but a series of outstanding saves from Irlam goalkeeper Jack Buckley kept the score goalless after 90 minutes.

It was a cagey opening, with few chances early on. Irlam’s John Johnston had the first effort after 13 minutes, striking from 25 yards but firing well over. Five minutes later, Bryson Appleton came close for Heys, almost finding Alfie Belcher inside the box before a last-ditch interception denied him.

Heys began to grow into the contest and felt they should have had a penalty on 23 minutes when a blocked Appleton effort appeared to strike a defender’s raised arm, but the appeals were waved away.

At the other end, John Main’s free kick was comfortably saved by Lee White, before Heys piled on the pressure. Efforts from Takura Sambizi and Belcher were blocked, and Appleton weaved past three defenders before dragging his shot inches wide.

Irlam were then reduced to ten temporarily when Alex Francis was sin-binned, but the deadlock remained at half-time.

Heys came out firing after the restart. On 50 minutes, Appleton burst down the left and crossed for Joe Camozzi, who fired just wide. Moments later, another Appleton delivery found Dre Taylor, whose powerful header forced a stunning reflex save from Buckley — arguably the save of the season.

The visiting ‘keeper was in inspired form, denying Heys again soon after when Rob Worrall teed up Sambizi, whose shot was tipped onto the bar. Appleton continued to threaten, seeing another shot deflected wide for a corner as Heys pressed relentlessly.

On 76 minutes, Belcher fed Worrall, who struck the inside of the post with a low effort as Heys continued to press for the opening goal.
Both sides pushed for a late winner but remained cautious of the counter, and the game looked destined for penalties.

However, there was still time for late drama when substitute Jacob Ramplin danced past two defenders and almost found Appleton at the near post, only for Buckley to intervene once more.

With no extra time in the Vase, the tie went straight to a shootout — taken at the hill end.
Heys went first and made no mistake, with Belcher, Bracken, and Findlow converting confidently. For Irlam, Daniels and Sandle also scored, but Lee White – formerly of Irlam – produced a superb save to deny James Boyd.

Rob Worrall then stepped up to make it 4–2, putting Heys on the brink of victory. That left Jack Mitchell needing to score to keep Irlam alive — but White guessed right again, diving low to his right to make the decisive stop and spark jubilant celebrations among the home fans.

Heys march on into the last 64 of the FA Vase, with belief growing that this could be a season to remember!

TEAM: Lee White, Joe Camozzi, Louie Hutchinson, James Badrock (CAPT.), Luke Findlow, Josh Tinker, Bryson Appleton, Rob Worrall, Alfie Belcher, Nicholas Dre Taylor, Takura Sambizi, Subs: Alistair Bracken (for Hutchinson 77 mins), Lucas Bancroft (83 mins), Job Dengoue (for Taylor 92 mins), Mworina Doro, Jacob Ramplin (for Sambizi 88 mins)