Match Preview

Heys welcome Ashton Athletic to Adie Moran Park looking to record a third successive win.

After back-to-back losses to AFC Liverpool and Kendal Town had taken the gloss off a bright start to the season Heys have responded with two good performances to win 3-0 on the Isle of Man last weekend and then record a 3-1 home win over Squires Gate on Tuesday evening.

The wins have moved Heys up to sixth in the table and they will now be looking to establish themselves amongst the early pacesetters with another three points on Saturday afternoon.

With injuries, holidays and suspensions having played their part in recent weeks there are signs of a more settled squad emerging. New recruits Matt Davies and Bevan Burey have bedded in quickly whilst the welcome return to the club of Brad Sixsmith and Joe Rothwell has seen them slot back in comfortably and added to the choices available to Lee 0’Brien and James Hampson.

The visitors have had a difficult start to the season. After finishing last season so strongly, with a late run of form seeing them eventually finish eleven points off the relegation zone, in 18th place, two points and positions behind Heys, hopes were high at the start of the season.

An opening day 1-1 draw with West Didsbury & Chorlton added to those hopes but since then it’s been tough going with nine straight defeats. It leaves them bottom of the table with one point to show for their efforts from ten games.

Managers Jay Foulds and Richard Brodie will point to five of those losses being by a single goal, including a narrow 1-0 loss at League leaders Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday night, suggesting they are not far off from turning their fortunes around.

It was a 2-1 win at Adie Moran Park in March, Ashton’s first ever against Heys, that set up their escape from relegation last season and they will be hoping for a similar outcome and long-term effect on Saturday.

MATCH INFORMATION

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

Telephone: 0161 773 8888 (match days only)

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. An additional serving hatch is available adjacent to the Seated Stand.

We have a covered standing area for approx 150 people and covered seating for 100.

There's free on-site parking for around 150 cars on the front and down the length of the motorway side of the ground. Car park Stwerards will guide you to a space. Please do not park on Sandgate Road or surrounding streets.

Hard standing around the entire pitch.

Pyrotechnics are banned. This includes Flares, Fireworks and Smoke Bombs. Anyone carrying pyrotechnics will be subject to a Football Banning order.

Supporters are also reminded that is an offence to enter the Playing Area and doing so can result in a Banning order.

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.

2022/23 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 head towards Whitefield, take first right into Clyde Avenue and continue over the traffic lights onto Thatch Leach Lane, turn right at the Frigate Public House, go over the motorway bridge, the ground is 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.