Prestwich FC first team secured promotion to the Lancashire Amateur League Division One following a 3-0 win at Bolton Ambassadors while the Sunday team overcame Cross Keys 2-0 to book their place in the Millennium Cup Final at Ramsbottom United’s Riverside ground in May.
On Saturday, Lee Metcalfe’s team travelled to Bolton Ambassadors knowing three more points would clinch promotion at the first time of asking and his side didn’t take too long to establish their advantage in the game.
Sean Haslam’s hooked ball over his shoulder in the 18th minute split the Bolton defence apart as strike partner Shaun Jackson sent a delicious lob over the advancing ‘keeper from 20 yards and in to the back of the net.
Haslam’s powerful low finish just after the restart gave the visitors a cushion before skipper Matty Lott fired home from the edge of the area on the hour mark to make the game safe.
With three games remaining, including next Saturday’s trip to rivals Hesketh Casuals, Prestwich will now look to finish their first season in style as they aim to take home the Division Two title.
The following day, Prestwich Sunday team played hosts to Cross Keys for their Millennium Cup Semi-final tie in front of a large crowd at Heys Road.
Prestwich weathered the early Keys pressure and got their noses in front in the 13th minute when Shaun Jackson powered in low at the second attempt.
It was a game yielding little in the way of clear-cut chances in the first half, with the visitors rolling an effort wide before Jackson’s shot was equalled by the Keys number one.
But with just minutes to go before the break, Prestwich got the killer second as Haslam cut inside on the edge of the box before finishing with class off the underside of the crossbar.
Chris Crookes blasted a couple of efforts over the bar before ‘keeper Mike Hudson saved well at close range as Keys looked for a lifeline.
As Prestwich slowed the game down, a frustrated Keys struggled to gain any attacking momentum in their play while at the other end the keeper saved well from Lott, Jackson and Crookes to stop the home side from running away with it.
As the whistle blew, Prestwich celebrated a fine achievement in reaching the final which will take place at Ramsbottom United FC on Friday 7th May, KO 6:30pm against the winners of next weekends other last four match between AFC Woolpack and Footballers Inn.
• Prestwich Reserves took another step towards a promotion of their own with a 2-0 win at Hesketh Casuals on Saturday. Matthew Gaskell’s brace put the Prestwich second string to within touching distance with one more win sealing their success dependent on other results.
