Prestwich 2, Old Mancunians Reserves 1
Lancs Amateur League Division Two at Heys Road, Prestwich
Saturday 13th February 2010
Despite a showing well below the high standards set by the team so far this season, Sean Haslam’s 73rd minute tap-in gave Lee Metcalfe’s men the points against Old Mancs Reserves on Saturday.
In-form Anthony Roberts gave the home side the lead converting Paul McGovern’s cross before the visitors pulled the scores level just ten minutes later.
With just ten games left of Prestwich’s debut season in the Lancashire Amateur League, coupled with Hesketh Casuals keeping up the pressure at the top of the table, it’s all about points now and this clash against Old Mancunians Reserves was a perfect example.
Prestwich never really got going in this one but had just enough in the tank to edge out their opponents as their main title rivals thumped bottom club Astley Bridge 12-2.
Sean Haslam’s surge down the left fashioned a 15th minute chance for Roberts but the forward sent his effort over the crossbar.
Haslam was provider again just moments later but striker partner John Blezard sent his close-range volley over the bar again.
Paul McGovern’s 25th minute centre caused confusion at the back and Roberts pounced from six yards to give the home side the lead.
But Old Manc’s hit back and restored parity as a forward took advantage of indecision in the Prestwich defence to nip in and score, despite ‘keeper Mike Hudson’s best efforts.
The home forwards had a chance to regain the lead just before the break but as Haslam’s drive was saved, Blezard fired the rebound over the bar.
Defender Mike Woodcock’s long ranger after the restart forced a save from the Manc’s ‘keeper before Roberts skewed a shot wide in the 55th minute.
The visitors missed a glorious chance to get their noses in front but their forward planted a free header past a post.
Midfield man Joe Kosub thought he’d notched his first goal for the team on 72 minutes but the referee deemed his aerial barge over the line of the ball-holding ‘keeper unfair and the ‘goal’ was struck-off.
But the visitors relief was to last all of a minute as Haslam sprung the offside trap, rounded the ‘keeper and tapped over the line from close range to seal the points for Prestwich.
PRESTWICH: Hudson, Hopkins, Woodcock, Lott, Steadman, Taylor, Howarth, McGovern (Foley), Haslam (1), Blezard (Kosub), Roberts (1)
• Prestwich Reserves left it late but managed to come back from Radcliffe Town with all three points. Mike Kirkley and Karl Seaton scored near the end of the game after Matt Gaskell’s 65th minute strike.
• Prestwich Sunday team were unlucky to lose out to table-topping Towler by one goal to nil on Sunday morning at Manchester Road.
The home side struck in the 25th minute with a strike from the edge of the box.
Chris Crookes saw a free-kick bounce down off the underside of the crossbar before Paul McGovern’s effort resulted in the same.
Another Crookes set-piece curled just inches wide as Prestwich searched for a deserved equaliser before a Towler header clipped the top of Mike Hudson’s bar late on.
It’s quarter-final time next Sunday as Prestwich entertain Crown FC at Heys Road, kick-off 10:30am.
