Prestwich Heys have been invited to apply for promotion to the North West Counties League Premier Division.

Under the FA restructure of the non-league pyramid announced earlier this month, Heys have been ranked third in the North West Counties League Division One North based on points per game over the last two seasons.

The governing body's shake-up will see 110 clubs "upwardly moved" between Steps 4 and 6.

Heys chairman Neil Gilmore has confirmed that the club will be accepting the invitation and submitting their application.

The club have to submit details of their ground grading, security of tenure and finances by this Monday, May 3. The FA intend to confirm if the application has been successful and the new league structure in week commencing May 17.

If successful Heys would have until March 31 next year to fully comply with the appropriate Step 5 ground grading which would involve increasing the present capacity of both standing and seated areas to 100 in each.

In addition to Heys, Lower Breck and AFC Liverpool have also been invited to apply from Division One North, whilst in Division One South, Vauxhall, Wythenshawe Town and Stone Old Alleynians have also been invited.

Meanwhile, Heys are continuing to keep busy with friendlies and travel to Longridge Town, whom they may meet in the Premier Division, this Saturday. The match is behind closed doors.

Matt Barnes' men went down 4-0 at home to Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ashton United on Tuesday night.

The Under-18s' cup fixture at Abbey Hey on Saturday was cancelled. However, in a hastily arranged friendly, Nick Simister’s side beat St. Helens Town 2-1 at Adie Moran Park, with goals from Bailey Dawes and Joe Walsh.

This weekend they entertain AFC Darwen at home (2.30pm), in the Divisional Cup again behind closed doors.