Heys get title boost

1:03pm Friday 14th April 2006

Prestwich Heys' hopes of retaining the Manchester League Premier Division title were given a real boost last Saturday.

Leaders and favorites Avro a massive 16 points clear at the beginning of March were defeated 5-1 by AFC Blackley, leaving the local side five points behind, but crucially, with two games in hand.

They were without a game themselves on Saturday, due to Old Alts folding in November.

Then Tuesday night's game away to Springhead was postponed at 5pm, due to a waterlogged pitch.

However, a hastily re-arranged fixture against Wilmslow has been set for tonight (Thursday), followed by the clash with AFC Blackley this Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

This game was originally to be played at Blackley, but with the pitch unfit it was agreed to switch the game to Heys' Sandgate Road ground.

l Turn to Page 54 Manager Adie Moran will have a full squad to pick from for these games, with skipper Lee Connell fully recovered from the injury he picked up in the Stockport game.

While striker Carl Lomax looks to be back in form, scoring twice in a reserve game.

It is players like these that he will be looking to, to have a big influence on deciding where the title ends up.

The supporters too, who have been excellent all season, can play their part by continuing to get behind their team.

l Without a game last Saturday it was left to the coaching staff to put the players through a tough training session at the impressive JJB facilities in Blackburn.

Before that they had been involved with a community programme at Sandgate, organised by Mark Doran, the Environmental Projects Officer for Groundwork Bury.

The club has allocated a large proportion of the land surrounding the first team pitch for the planting of trees, which will give the ground a clean, green look.

The club would like to thank all the children from the local schools and the adults who spent time at the ground last Thursday, Friday and Saturday planting trees, and also Mark Doran or getting the project off the ground.

l Fixtures for Saturday: first team home to AFC Blackley, kick-off 2.30pm. Second team no game.

Under 12s, 16s and 18s no fixtures due to the Easter holidays. Please contact the club for next week's fixtures.