A brace each for Sean Haslam and, man of the match Mike Neary set Prestwich up for what ultimately proved a comfortable victory after a few early scares.
As has been the case this season the squad welcomed back some players from injury whilst losing pretty much the same amount to injury, but the squad has grown in strength and is more able to cope better with these situations.
On this occasion it was particularly good to see the return of the prolific Haslam, with whom the side’s goal threat is seriously diminished. Prestwich started strongly and took the lead in the 7th minute when another much welcome returnee Andy Davison fed Neary in one on one for a composed finish.
Ainsworth hit the post and Prestwich’s Belgian debutante Quentin Jacob struck a shot against a post before David Prieto’s determination saw a loose ball fall for Haslam whose finish was also unerring for 2-0 on 25 mins.
There followed a superb passage of play by Prestwich which was a joy to watch, the ball shifting from player to player at pace with minimal touches leaving Ainsworth largely chasing shadows, to the extent that frustration set in and they had a player dismissed for dissent, but it remained 2-0 at the interval.
A man up and full of confidence Prestwich overcame an initially scrappy start to the half to make it three on 50 mins when Neary who had an outstanding game demonstrated his skill and strength to dispossess an opponent on the right and leave several players in his wake before squaring to Haslam for another slick side foot finish.
On 62 mins Neary again was the provider, this time picking out Dave Thompson who calmly passed into the corner from 25 yards.
Neary got his just reward with a second of his own finishing off a delightful passing move started by Jacob who had an excellent debut, with Pietro making the final pass to Neary.
Finally to complete the rout Thompson held the ball up really well to slip Pietro for his ubiquitous goal.
In between the goals the keeper Mike Hudson and back line with Sam Holden looking imperious in particular did really well, keeping concentration throughout to deliver what was only the second clean sheet of the season.
