6th August 2022 - Prestwich Heys 1 v 1 Litherland Remyca - The fungal precipice is being walked upon, I am set for a busy season leading walks and striving to inform people about the value of fungi and if they don't get due protection the whole environmental machine will grind to a halt. The morn was spent at Denton Town, we are striving to help nature, I was disappointed to see weed-killer had been used in certain areas, I have requested this be stopped so we can keep things natural, healthy and safe for all - I am willing to tidy up manually, I am not an idle arse. After a good potter with the missus we darted home, stuffed lunch and dashed to the Mother-In-Laws - we dropped off her shopping, bought her a cake and picked up a few plant pots that will help the Denton project. From here we drove to today's chosen ground, paid our dues and settled in the sun to watch some FA Cup action. The beams were bonny indeed and I do need to invest in a hat to cover my glabrous pate. I want a Sombrero, I may go for a Stetson or indeed an Imperial Japanese Army Hat - watch this space, a twat in a hat will manifest itself very soon.
So with belfries blessed by solar goodness we watched the first period unfold. An early chance fell to the home 'erberts with No 9 (Connor Morris) breaking the offside trap and squeezing a pass to No 11 (Dylan Fitzgerald) who tried to beat the keeper with an impish chip. The ball rose and fell, alas behind the bar. The Hey Mob breezed forth once more soon after. Fitzgerald produced a delectable touch that was touched on with No 4 (Kai Haigh) chasing down and only denied by a keeper who was off his line in double quick time.
A corner for Heys came next, the keeper fisted well, in fact the last time I saw a fisting like this was whilst the Prince of Wales was in a compromising position with a homo-erotic Bill Oddie look-a-like - by heck that was a strange night. The Remyca eventually settled, won a corner but were witness to a commanding defensive header by the home No 5 (Rudy Misambo) - a man with an aerial dominance that was consistent all afternoon.
Litherland Remyca now began to give a good account of themselves with much hustling and a few balls into the box of peril. Prestwich had the next real chance though with Morris and Fitzgerald linking up and the latter disappointingly firing over. Fitzgerald soon came again with a strong, imposing run. A ball was knocked crossfield to No 7 (Connor Berry) who took one touch, cut in and walloped. The ball, once more was overloaded with elevation, it was a definite chance missed.
Litherland returned the goal scares with a long free-kick from No 2 (Luke Denson) that needed tipping over by the home mitter. The corner came and skinned many heads without any serious contact made - the first goal was due it seemed and looked to be getting more important by the second. Another shot came at the host No 1 (Russel Saunders), but this time the globe was deflected wide. An angled hoof followed, the gloved one palmed down but only to No 11 (Jamie McDonald) who fired home and gave his most sincere thanks for the gift. Now, the onus was on the hosts to up the ante.
The home town lads produced a long ball next, Morris was the apical component and sent in a low shot that the keeper gathered with relative ease. Prior to the break the trailing team could only summon one corner that was trashed due to a pointless infringement and as the referee blew for the break, Litherland Remyca were looking quite comfortable indeed.
We stayed put for the break, nattered and absorbed the sun whilst nibbling a bit of chocolate. We were looking forward to a day out tomorrow, wandering amid the greenery, noting all the wild miracles and soaking up a few rays. Bring it on.
Back to the game and half two went something like this. A give and take start was eventually put to one side when the resident Berry picked up the ball just inside the opposing half and duly negotiated a crowd of bods before poking forth a shot that squeezed into the bottom corner of the shallot sack. It was an eye-watering moment for the guests, they looked to be in charge of matters and now were dragged back to all square.
Some thermality and ill temper now crept into the game with Heys starting to make the most effective plays. Despite Fitzgerald having a wild and reckless dig very little further threat came. For all the home team's animation and general liveliness they were creating little and this game looked to be heading for a sure-fire replay. Eventually more positivity and attention to the away goalmouth came with a shot blazed forth and the keeper forced to produced a fine save and then, the same No 1 (Ryan Jones) was made to leave his line to quell the threat by an incoming attacker. A corner followed these minor scares, the nut of Berry was found at the rear stick but the the cranial contact made sent the ball straight at the keeper.
The Remyca were now under the cosh and in danger of getting it rammed up their arse for that matter. Heys came on with intent. McDonald for the visitors had a chance to ease the pressure and gain a shock lead goal but his header from the corner just shied away from the strike zone. No 19 (Kaiden Barlow) for Heys had a shot on the turn that was deflected wide and soon after No 16 (Tyler James) produced a top notch strike that the mittman did well to palm behind. The corner came, a nut towards goal needed clearing off the line with No 10 (Callum Nicholas) having the next dig that was wonderfully saved and then 14 (Ashley Cata) having a pop that wouldn't stay on target.
The PH pack pushed with ardour, some in-box head tennis was finalised by James who couldn't find the net. The finish became scrappy and saw Litherland hang on and gain that replay at their gaff - Prestwich Heys could be rueing the fact that they didn't snatch this one when they had the chance - we shall see. man of the Match goes to the PH No 5 (Rudy Misambo) - a player who had authority, a controlled temperament and who really looks set to go up to the next level. No fuss. no griping, just eye on the ball and dealt with - a cracking performance.
FINAL THOUGHTS - So a replay is the end result of a well-balanced game that was just shaded on points by the hosts. The next game will be equally tough with Litherland looking a hard nut to crack especially as their defence looks well organised and not likely to leak many goals. Their No 5 (Steven Hoy) was particularly impressive and was a chief player in his side's hard-fought draw. I will keep an eye of the Remycas goal leakage over the coming weeks, I expect it be mightily low. Prestwich Heys did well to claw their way back into this and have all the makings of a team destined to have a good season. In all areas they look equipped but for many years now I have thought the same thing and they always seem to come up just short. There are several key players they need to keep hold of and make sure they start each and every game with great impetus. The early season is the time to set out ones stall and make sure an impression is made - a good cup run can only help build the impetus and maintain a stronghold on the squads belief and unity - I shall be back down this ground real soon to see how things are going.
No comments:
Post a Comment