Prestwich continued their recent good form with a thumping six-nil win at Hesketh Casuals in the Premier Division on Saturday.
Following hot on the heels of last week’s 3-1 home success against the same opponents, Prestwich looked to continue where they left off as Sean Haslam’s first minute effort was pushed behind for a corner.
Although that chance came to nothing, the visitors started strong and created numerous chances from their superior possession.
The movement up top left the Casuals defence vulnerable and Anthony Roberts capitalised on 26 minutes to fire in a low strike to the ‘keepers right.
This sparked the home side in to life, who then started creating chances as they pressed Prestwich back. Ashley Hoolighan’s last-ditch tackle saved a certain goal before Alex Blake’s good save from the Hesketh winger shortly after.
The second half started even better for Prestwich as Craig Howarth’s men didn’t give the Hesketh players a minutes peace.
Tom Walsh’s long range shot was handled by a defender leaving Hoolighan to drive the resulting penalty down the middle for 2-0.
Anthony Roberts soon after notched his second of the game and his side’s third, an almost carbon copy of his first goal.
Hesketh grew more and more frustrated but despite some meaty challenges, couldn’t get a foothold back in to the game.
Manager Howarth came on for the injured Haslam and made an immediate impact as he raced clear before squaring to Paul O’Donnell for a tap-in.
Moments later, Howarth was provider again as Hoolighan’s ball through set the gaffer clear to run and cross to O’Donnell who poked home.
After a succession of passes, Howarth’s hat-trick of assists were complete as he chipped over the Hesketh defence releasing Martin Hill to slot in for the sixth.
The win moved Prestwich up one place to sixth in the Premier Division ahead of this Saturday’s crunch trip to third placed Castle Hill.
All kick-off’s in the Lancashire Amateur League have now switched to 2pm.
PRESTWICH: Blake, Buckley, Bushell, Walsh, Kirkley, Taylor, Hill (1), Hoolighan (1 pen), Haslam (Howarth), O’Donnell (2), Roberts (2)
• Prestwich Reserves took the points against Old Blackburnians A in a 6-2 win. Goals from Phil Byrnes, David McNally and an Andrew Morrissey penalty gave Liam Morrissey’s team a three-nil lead at the break before a quick-fire double from the visitors gave them hope.
But Andrew Jones quickly gave Prestwich a cushion before Danny Jones and another for Morrissey sealed the points. It was the eleventh win on the bounce in all competitions ahead of this weekend’s visit of local rivals Old Standians Reserves.
• Prestwich A Team’s up and down season continued with a 5-2 reverse at Howe Bridge Mills Reserves.
• Prestwich Sunday Team recorded their first win of the season as they came from behind to beat Huntley Mount 4-2 at Hoyles. Mike Reid, Anthony Roberts and a brace from Nick Kosub moved Jamie Comiskey’s men up two places off the foot of the Bury Premier Division table.
