Martin Keane’s hat-trick in between strikes from Chris Hudson and Stephen Foley gave the Elizabethan an almighty fright in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
Boasting a number of names familiar to the local non-league circuit, the Elizabethan was a daunting prospect for a weakened Prestwich side missing goal-keeper Mike Hudson, skipper Richard Steadman, John Fiorentini and Chris Hopkins.
Striker Dean Astley donned the green jersey between the sticks and was soon called in to action as the quick passing and movement from the visitors carved out numerous early chances.
But Prestwich weathered the storm and when Foley’s shot was fumbled by the Lizzy ‘keeper, recent signing Chris Hudson was on-hand to notch his first PCCFC goal.
And the home side had a chance to double their lead on 25 minutes but Keane’s spot-kick was turned round the post by Gibbson in the visitor’s goal.
But the massed ranks of Prestwich supporters on the touchline were soon in dreamland when Keane rose high to head home Healey’s resulting corner.
Two-nil to the minnows as the fans let rip with a chorus of “semi-pro – yer havin’ a laff!”
Obviously upset by the baiting from the crowd, the Elizabethan then sprang in to life and enjoyed a devastating 10 minute period as they turned the game completely on its head.
First a corner was nodded in on the half hour before an Ashley Oparah long-ranger was deflected past Astley to drag the scores level.
Jon Sharples was then unfortunate to slide a low cross in to his own net before Oparah volleyed a punched clearance in to the top corner.
But Prestwich grabbed a lifeline just before the break when, after diving to save on the line, the ‘keeper threw the ball straight to Keane who rifled home from close range.
Another inspirational team talk from the gaffer brought quick rewards as within five minutes of the restart, Prestwich had drawn back level when Matt Sharples’ fed Keane who turned his man before rolling in to the corner.
Elizabethan were then back in front after being awarded a very soft penalty after everybody at the ground thought the whistle had gone for a foul on Jon Sharples.
Two minutes later it was a headed sixth for the visitors before another deflected effort from distance gave Astley no chance.
Stephen Foley burst through to grab a consolation fifth for the home side on 82 minutes, but the move of the match came shortly after as Healey and Foley basically took the piss with the ‘keeper pulling off a fine save from the latter as he let fly inside the box.
Despite the defeat, Manager Peter Lorenzini was understandably upbeat after an epic performance from his players.
“Good”, said Lorenzini as he thumbed through an FA “laws of the game” book looking to freshen up his knowledge of the offside rule.
PCCFC: Astley, M Sharples (P Lorenzini), Barnes, Mulligan, J Sharples, C Hudson (1), McGovern (Grimes), M Keane (3), Foley (1), Healey, Walmsley
