HEYS completed their build-up for the new campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Penistone Church on Saturday.

Second-half strikes by Jordan Coduri and Charlie Shephard were enough to hand the hosts victory in the visitors’ final warm-up game.

Heys completed this busy run of fixtures having had a tough work out in a 4-3 win against Daisy Hill just 48 hours earlier and Heys manager Matt Barnes fielded a side that will likely resemble his starting eleven on the opening day.

Penistone did have the ball in the net on 26 minutes with a header but the flag went up for offside with the warning signs evident for the visitors. Despite looking a little leg weary Heys did have some bright moments notably on 39 minutes when new signing Krisel Prifti ran 40 yards giving the ball on the left to Anthony Hall who saw his cross blocked.

It was the home side who upped the gears after the break and were soon in front on 53 minutes when a ball from the left came over and it was Coduri 20 yards out who blasted the ball top right past a despairing Russ Saunders.

Heys rallied and catching the eye again was Prifti who saw a free-kick hit the post on the hour having just had a shot blocked after a fine ball by Adie Bellamy.

Back came Penistone bringing saves from Russ Saunders before Nathan Strong on the right who saw his shot kept out by Penistone keeper Chris Snaith in what was to be Prestwich’s only shot on target in the second half.

Penistone completed the win on 83 minutes when Shephard fired home from six yards out.

Heys begin a history-making season in the North West Counties Premier Division, playing at their highest ever level, at home to Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Then Barnes’ side face Lancaster City on Monday, August 2, (7.30pm) in the 2019-20 Lancashire Challenge Trophy Final at the Lancashire FA ground in Leyland.