In a game moved forward from the 17th March at the request of the opposition, Prestwich really took a shine to playing under the floodlights at Atherton Collieries’ Alder Street ground and produced a marvellous display as they stunned Howe Bridge Mills with six unanswered goals.
Playing down the slope in the first half, Prestwich knocked the ball around comfortably as Reserve team stopper Kieran Watson stepped up to cover for the unavailable Blake.
And it was Watson that unlocked the door in just the 15th minute as his direct kick up the park was flicked on by Ashley Hoolighan leaving Sean Haslam a free run on goal before slotting low past the Mills ‘keeper.
That lead was doubled just ten minutes later as Craig Howarth’s men were rewarded further for their attractive, attacking style of play as Hoolighan himself ran clear to round the stranded goalie.
Winger Martin Hill worked hard out on the right to keep a cross-field pass in play and his efforts were not in vain as his 38th minute centre was converted from the angle by Haslam in to the far corner.
Prestwich were cruising and were finding gaps in the beleaguered Howe Bridge defence almost at will.
On the stroke of half-time, Anthony Roberts found Lee Bushell out on the left who in turn fed Hoolighan square to slot in his second and his side’s fourth of the evening.
With a decent crowd getting their fair share of goal scoring action, Prestwich continued to threaten straight from the restart.
This time right-back Sam Holden getting involved as his persistance set up Hill to drill across the face of goal finding Bushell to convert at the back post.
And the scoring was completed just after the hour when Hoolighan ran through before drilling a shot past the ‘keeper for a superb hattrick.
With the job done, Prestwich stepped down a gear or two as they saw out the game with Reserve team forward Danny Jones impressing during his 30 minute cameo.
Although Watson had to stay alert to deal with a late long-ranger from a Howe Bridge forward, that looked to be heading for the top corner, before the excellent ref called an end to proceedings.
The win moves Prestwich up one place to fifth in the Premier Division although now with no league game for the next two Saturday’s, things will possibly change before the visit of Old Boltonians to Heys Road on the 24th.
PRESTWICH: Watson, Holden, Kirkley, Walsh, Steadman, Taylor, Hill, Roberts, Haslam (2) (Howarth), Hoolighan (3) (Jones), Bushell (1) (O’Donnell)
Match Photo’s – Prestwich 6, Howe Bridge Mills 0
