Report & Pictures by Stephen Howard

Prestwich Heys made a disastrous start to the new North West Counties League Premier Division season as they crashed to defeat against Burscough at Adie Moran Park.

Ahead of kick off home expectations were high after a close season that had seen some eye-catching new recruits added to a squad that came seventh last season. However, that bubble was well and truly popped as Heys totally misfired against an energetic, lively, well drilled Burscough side who were full value for their victory.

From the kick off Heys were sleeping as the Linnets were first to every ball, to give early cause for concern. However, the first chance fell to Heys in the fourth minute when Burscough keeper Charlie Monk failed to control a back pass and the ball dropped to Tyler James. The Heys man looked certain to score but rushed the opportunity and steered the ball wide of the open goal.

After the early uncertainty, a goal may have proved a mood changer but in effect it set the tone for the match, two minutes later the away side were ahead. Possession was conceded and Burscough worked the ball to Daniel Boden. The striker showed great pace and no mean skill as he cut inside Arron Chalmers before planting a great shot past Jordan Hadlow.

The goal did prompt something of a response from Heys as Greg Daniels drilled in a deep cross that Kaiden Barlow couldn’t quite connect with, and the latter then delivered likewise for Jack Coop, but the striker wasn’t able to apply the decisive touch.

Burscough continued to look the better side and in the 16th minute were awarded a penalty as Boden was brought down by Regan Brown. From the spot kick however, Hadlow dropped to his right to push the ball onto the post before gathering and so give his side a lifeline.

However, they might have fell further behind. Marcus Korneliussen glanced a free header wide before Boden cut through the defence and rounded Hadlow only to blaze his shot over the top of an open goal.

A couple of corners hinted at a possible Heys revival and in the 41st minute they levelled. James broke into the box to pick out Greg Daniels and he made no mistake, slotting the ball between post and keeper from ten yards out.

However, home joy was short lived as Burscough responded almost immediately by regaining the lead. It was a goal that in many ways epitomised Heys performance. From a throw in possession was carelessly conceded and they were again found sleeping as Boden cut through and rifled home.

It was hoped that the half time break might bring about a change in tempo from the home side but withing four minutes of the restart they were left facing an uphill battle as Burscough added to their lead. A free kick on the edge of the box dispatched with aplomb by Will Riding.

A host of substitutions followed but did nothing to lift Heys from their lethargy. They remained off the pace and disjointed, and Boden should have had a hat-trick on the hour as a cross into the box found him unmarked, but his first time shot sailed over.

James fired wide of the far post shortly after and the entrance of Vinny Howell and Rio Wilson-Heyes did see Heys begin to enjoy more possession. However, their overall play lacked any zip or penetration to test the visitors whom one sensed were increasingly looking to preserve their lead.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, another of Heys substitutes Matt Davies saw a shot deflected wide and then from a corner Chalmers saw a fine header come of the inside off the post and out.

Had either chance gone in a comeback may have been on the cards but a reminder of how fanciful a notion that was came four minutes from time as Burscough almost added a fourth. It embodied everything about the afternoon, possession carelessly conceded followed by a poor response as the visitors almost walked through what was left of Heys defence. Thankfully, Hadlow was on hand to keep out Delial Brewster’s shot.

Heys were off the pace and second best in all aspects of the game and in truth, the margin defeat of this defeat could have been heavier. An immediate and vast improvement will be needed for Tuesday night’s visit of Pilkington.

TEAM: Jordan Hadlow, Regan Brown , Jerome Wright, Kyle Jacobs, Nathan Bartram-Conway, Arron Chalmers (Capt.), Kaiden Barlow, Kayle Power, Jack Coop, Greg Daniels, Tyler James Subs: Vincent Howell (for Jacobs 55 mins) , Nathan Emery, Brad Sixsmith (for Brown 45 mins), Matt Davies (for Coop 55 mins), Rio Wilson-Heyes (for Daniels 60 mins)