Prestwich returned to league action with a well deserved point from this clash against Premier Division leaders Bury GSOB at Heys Road on Saturday.
Two strikes from the visitors late in the first half left mid-table Prestwich with a bit of a mountain to climb. However, Craig Howath’s team were still creating chances and pulling one back would really test the Old Boys resolve.
And although leading striker Ashley Hoolighan limped out of the action before the break, replacement Shaun Jackson’s dogged and determined play is capable of causing any defence some problems.
When strike partner Sean Haslam rounded the Bury ‘keeper on 53 minutes to slot in from the angle, Bury looked there for the taking.
But credit to the league leaders, they dusted themselves off and went in search of a killer third – pressing the home side back in to their own half for long periods although struggled to get any real clear sights of goal.
Then when Jackson ventured in to the box with five minutes remaining, he twice danced round the ‘keeper looking to get a shot off but then showed good awareness to fire across the six yard box towards Haslam who, with possible assistance from a lunging defender, managed to force the ball over the line.
The point moved Prestwich up one place to sixth in the Premier Division ahead of Saturday’s visit of fifth placed Rochdale St Clements. Kick off at Heys Road is 2:30pm.
PRESTWICH: Blake, O’Donnell, Kirkley, Walsh, Steadman, Taylor, Hill, Roberts, Haslam (2), Hoolighan (Jackson), Bushell
• Despite no competitive action for almost three months, Prestwich Reserves continued their 100% record with a 3-1 win over Horwich RMI Reserves at Nuttall Avenue. Michael Hoggard’s strike was sandwiched inbetween a Kieran Doherty brace before the hosts scored a late consolation. That’s fifteen wins from fifteen games now for Liam Morrissey’s men.
• Prestwich A Team went down 3-2 in their Division Five match against Thornleigh Reserves at Drinkwater Park. Brian Leckie grabbed both goals for Andrew Howarth’s side.
• Prestwich Sunday Team suffered another set-back with a 4-0 defeat to third placed Crown in the Bury Premier Division.
• Prestwich’s scheduled Kenyon Cup Semi-final tie against Heywood St James on Tuesday 28th February was postponed by hosts Ramsbottom United due to a waterlogged pitch. The tie will be played at a later date to be arranged.
Match Photo’s – Prestwich 2, Bury GSOB 2
Match Photo’s – Prestwich Sunday 0, Crown 4
