Hot on the heels of the superb win over champions Failsworth Dynamos, Prestwich recorded another great win, this time coming from behind to overcome Old Mancunians 3-2.
With confidence high, Prestwich looked to gain an early advantage as Mike Kirkley and Anthony Roberts combined to create a chance for Martin Hill.
But when a free-kick was conceded on 25 minutes, the visitors slammed the dead ball against a post with a Manc’s forward reacting quickest to tap home.
Prestwich still saw plenty of the ball though and were making inroads down the left flank with Kirkley and Hill combining well.
A number of long range efforts were easily collected by the ‘keeper as Joe Kosub and Roberts both tried their luck. Tom Walsh also saw a strike flash just wide.
Prestwich continued to press after the break, Hill unlucky from distance as the ball was turned behind.
But the resulting corner was cleared and Old Manc’s broke up the field. Alex Blake in the Prestwich goal ran out to try and clear the ball but the forward nipped round him to square for an easy finish.
Determined to not give up, the lads showed great character to continue plugging away, with Ash Hoolighan blazing over the bar after good work again by Kirkley and Hill.
With 20 minutes remaining, Prestwich got a lifeline as full back Darren Buckley surged forward, cut inside, played a one-two off a Mancs defender before calmly slotting home.
(Secretary’s note – Due to a restroom break, I was completely unaware that the above goal was even scored at all. From my point of view, I was a goal behind for everything that was to follow!)
Manager Craig Howarth immediately switched to a more attacking formation as he looked to turn the screw.
With the ball spending long periods in the Mancs half of the pitch, Prestwich created a number of half chances, the best of which falling to Hill who broke through but ran the ball in to the keepers hands.
Then with 8 minutes remaining, Prestwich finally capitalised from a corner kick as Hill found Stuart Napier who laid off to Roberts for a shot on the edge of the box. Although this was parried by the keeper, Kirkley was on hand to slam the ball home.
As the players celebrated wildly, I’m screaming at them to get the ball and kick off again thinking that it was now 2-1 when it was actually two-all!
Prestwich went all out attack now and Kosub found Hill out wide. The wingers shot was parried again and this time Hoolighan was perfectly placed to smash through a crowd of defenders and in to the net. Cue more scenes of delirious celebration before the home side ran down the remaining couple of minutes to full time.
So a great fightback from a never-say-die Prestwich. A point well and truly deserved!
Martin Hill then commented in my earshot as he walked off the pitch, “Great win lads”, or words to that effect… Eh? Win? Are you sure?
And then as the facts about the missed goal were revealed, a win it was indeed. A six point week that had moved Prestwich up to fifth from the foot of the table just two games previous.
Jackpot!
PRESTWICH: Blake, Buckley (1), Kirkley (1), Kosub, Steadman, Taylor, Smith (Napier), Walsh, Roberts, Hoolighan (1) (Jackson), Hill
• Prestwich entertain Radcliffe Boys at Heys Road this Wednesday in the preliminary round of the league cup. Kick off is 6:30pm.
• Prestwich Reserves went top of Division Four following a 7-0 rout of Broughton Amateurs Reserves at Myerscough College. Jordan Clegg scored five with Danny Jones and Rhys Hardie getting a goal each.
