Match Preview

One of the most played fixtures in the club’s history, Heys welcome AVRO to Adie Moran Park for the 49th meeting between the sides.

Down the years there have been some epic encounters, fiercely fought but always characterised by an enduring respect and off field friendship that exists between the clubs to this day.

Todays’ fixture is given added significance by the very fact that Lee 0’Brien, James Hampson and the management team, as well as several players, were involved at AVRO only last season, having been lengthy servants of the club.

It is also worth reflecting how far the clubs have come, from those days in the fifties in the South East Lancashire League to more recent times in the Manchester League. Now both find themselves at the top end of the NW Counties Premier Division, competing at the highest level either side has played and at the top end of the table.

Heys sit 6th with 21 points from eleven games whilst AVRO are two places higher and three points better off from one game fewer.

Under Alex Frost, AVRO have made an impressive start to the season winning their first six League games without conceding a goal. Since then, it’s won two lost two, their last outing being a 2-0 loss to one hundred per cent Wythenshawe Town. Their focus will be on ensuring they keep that top four berth whilst distancing them from a Heys side who could go above them with victory.

From a Heys perspective, it’s a about getting back on track after the disappointing midweek loss to Winsford. In his recent programme notes Lee O’Brien said that there would be bumps in the road and Tuesday was very much one. The Heys camp will know only too well that a big performance will be needed today to bounce back from that loss. Prior to that Heys had won three matches on the bounce to push themselves into the leading pack and will be looking to consolidate their position today.

Local pride is at stake but in the larger scheme of things it’s long-term aspirations that are on the table too. Stand by for what promises to be another epic to digest in the clubhouse afterwards.

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.