15th March 2017 - Prestwich Heys FC 5 v 1 Holker Old Boys - It had been several months since I last visited the Adie Moran ground and that was a cracking day, bathed in sun and exposing several good players in a very efficient unit. Tonight it was myself and good lady who were meeting up with fellow punk peddler Stu Taylor of STP and after salutations, a natter with the chairman and his good friend, and of course the obligatory brew, we wandered to the opposite side of the ground, between the dug outs, and chitted and chatted about the spiky scene and the upcoming game. The players warmed up, a tale of the reds versus the greens and the pitch was looking quite pristine. In fact, big up to the keepers of the baize because this looked a good footballing surface for sure and the arthritic fingers were crossed for a game of appealing quality and of course, thrilling intrigue. With our Golden Goal tickets unopened and almost throbbing with anticipated success we watched the teams head off and re-appear for this 1st division clash.
The clement night air was invaded by the opening whistle and the game got underway, it was a swift commencement with the home chaps cultivating some choice moves that had direct interplay posing good threat. The threat did pay dividends when the back of the mesh was duly found via a glorious shot that flew over the balding pate of the number 8 who, alas, was deemed offside and interfering with play. A hard lump to swallow and when the young chaps of the Old Boys went up the other end with a silky move, and unbelievably snatched the opening goal, the home chap's craws must have really been clogged up to buggery. Jamie Pattinson was the scorer, it was a good grab and really forced the hosts to go and earn their crust. Moments later and HOB broke again with their No 8 whipping a shot in that needed a save and the loose ball duly hoofing clear. The visitors looked a well drilled side tonight and their defensive organisation was soon tested when 2 crosses swung in, a shot by Prestwich's tidy No 7 (Daniel White) was not fully connected with and then the No 8 fired in firmly but the angle was too acute and the target missed. White had another shot saved but was fortunate enough to see the ball immediately drop back at his feet and the second chance was comfortably buried and we were back to the state that is best compared to the heads of the offspring of interbreeding yokels - all square.
There was now a change in the flow, a flow Holker tried to defy with much industry and fervent dashing. A snap shot from the guests No 8 kept the home keeper honest and it was becoming more apparent that the next goal was highly crucial. The game settled, both teams were working the deck and we had a very competitive game to admire. Holker strived to force the issue but Hey's suddenly broke and a deflected ball shot up into the air and when gravity did its thing and brought it back to earth up stepped Christopher Baguley to connect, volley and boom the globe home - 2-1. The away side must have been flabbergasted by this turn around but kept disciplined and worked their usual formula. A break was had that disappointingly finished with their No 10 ballooning a shot and seeing a chance go AWOL but hope remained. Heys came again, White again in the thick of the action, winning the ball, missing his chance to pull the trigger but staying calm enough to find a colleague (Paul Tierney) who casually finished and brought up a scoreline that didn't reflect a close and competitive half. Things could have been even more cruel to the Old Boys as Hey's No 10 knocked forth a good dipping free-kick that was gathered up by the netman and No 11 was allowed to shoot but found the night sky rather than the back of the net. The whistle came, how this one was 3 -1 was anyone's guess but there ya go, football never fails to surprise.
A wander for a cup of cha' (cheers Stu), an Iced Lemon Bun (wow, these are ruddy good) and back to the touchline for some jaw-wagging.
The second half began with Holker firing in an early shot that was too casual but gave hope. The hope was soon dashed though as Heys produced a period of good pressure and were winning 90% of the ball and playing some quite eager football. The away lads now needed to call upon their reservoirs of resistance but things weren't looking good. A corner to Heys came, the defenders missed everything, luckily for them so did the strikers. A shot up the other end followed, a snap-shot indeed but the upright was missed and Holker had to re-organise and recharge. They did just that, won a free kick that was swung in well but the finishing knock propelled the ball agonisingly wide and kept the lads in green frustrated. Back at the opposite end of the park and the hard-ploughing No 10 for Prestwich let fly with a shot that was just off target but it kept the interest levels high and this was turning into a fine match for all. Holker would not switch off, a shot from No 4 made the goalie save and soon after the same two combatants were involved again when a cross-cum shot once again required mittman attention. As HOB moved forth my comrade said a goal was definitely on the cards and spot on he was, albeit coming at the opposite end of the pitch. Quick feet, a few easy and accurate passes and Christopher Baguley bagged his second and gave his squad a quite unassailable lead. Despite the deficit Holker Old Boys still played with good heart and put in many eye-catching moves but the finishing luck was lacking tonight. A straight shot was forceful but straight at the keeper and other efforts just died a death before the danger area could be threatened. The No 10 of Heys nearly added another when a long range lob came mightily close and an ensuing razor-sharp onslaught for his team was only thwarted by a smart save from the under pressure keeper. Alas, seconds later, a long ball came and cut Holker in two and it was the turn of Paul Tierney to complete his double and add an extra gloss to the end result. From 1 down to a 5 - 1 advantage and one could understand the disgruntlement of the visitors. Credit to them though, they cracked on with heads down and in truth should have had a consolation when a hopeful free-kick was connected with, nutted towards the top corner only to be stopped at the last by the outstretched arm of the No 1. Good effort, even better save. The final minutes saw Heys have 2 more attempts with the travelling goalkeeper doing his bit but when the ref blew for full time one couldn't help thinking that the long-distance travellers couldn't wait to get back home. Man of the Match tonight goes to Prestwich Heys' No 7 (Daniel White) who, despite being substituted, put in a good stint when on the park, was good in the tackle, on the deck and as a team player and even bagged a goal for his troubles - not a bad nights work.
FINAL THOUGHT - For me this was a close match and both teams gave a good account of themselves. It wasn't a 5-1 thrashing, it was a competitive game that was swung by a bit of fortune, a bit of extra desire and some sharp interplay. I think Hey's deserved the win but Holker displayed many fine aspects to their play and with a bit of fine tuning they will be a quite impressive force. The visit tonight was splendid, £4 entry fee, a pleasant vibe and just a well played match that saw both teams get stuck in and do their bit fairly and with good spirit. Alas the Golden Goal tickets we bought were duffs and I am sure there was a printing error but I shall overlook this gripe and applaud everyone involved for their efforts tonight and be making sure I am back at this ground several times a season. PS - I hope Prestwich Heys make the play-offs - they'll certainly be getting my support if they do!
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