A thoroughly entertaining but tense game saw Prestwich finally clinch promotion to the premier division and lose out on the title to their hosts by a single point, just pipping Rossendale on goal difference who one had to feel for … them having amassed 63 points which has never seen a side not achieve at least 2nd spot and promotion.
It couldn’t have started any better with Prestwich taking the lead in the 2nd minute through Martin Hill, picking the ball up just inside the Roach half out wide right Hill burst past the full back and with Roach’s retreating defenders caught too high up the pitch Hill accelerated towards goal and unleashed a wicked hard low shot that gave the keeper no chance.
The game developed into an interesting contrast of styles, Prestwich playing a quick pass and move game whilst Roach who are a big powerful side, make up for any lack of pace with a more direct approach being no less affective.
Prestwich dominated possession and continually probed for more goals mainly through the pace of Hill, Steve Murty and Sean Haslam aided by the guile of Darren Buckley making a rare start in the number 10 role.
Roach are not champions for nothing though and remained a constant threat through long balls and set pieces aimed towards their towering main striker. As the half wore on Prestwich began to concede too many free kicks just inside their own half allowing Roach to capitalise on their strengths and build up the pressure.
Fortunately Prestwich’s veteran centre half Paul Taylor was having a superb game, probably just edging out Buckley and Haslam for man of the match. Taylor and his partner Ross Salmon stood up tall and strong against the onslaught with Taylor stretching every sinew to throw himself into blocks and last second clearances.
Keeper Chapman too stood firm in spite of the frequency of having to deal with several 6 footers launching themselves towards him trying to get on the end of things.
Prestwich’s resolve was finally broken when a typical high ball from the right was nodded back into the 6 yard mix and bundled over the line, and as it stood Rossendale were in the promotion spot.
The goal galvanised the Prestwich boys back into gear and they set about restoring the lead in determined fashion, Taylor was desperately unlucky smacking a terrific header against the post from a Hill corner.
Then on 32 mins they got that piece of luck that has so often deserted them this season, a mix up between full back and keeper saw Haslam clean through on an empty goal allowing him to gleefully smash the ball into an empty net, and it remained 1-2 at half time.
Prestwich largely managed to stifle Roach’s attack in the second half and got better control of the game, Haslam was doing a sterling job leading the line bravely holding the ball up frequently under heavy physical pressure both on the floor and in the air.
On the hour Murty burst down the right and squared to Haslam who stroked the ball low to the keeper’s right for 1-3. The goal briefly settled Prestwich nerves but that all changed on 68 minutes when Roach were given a lifeline with a goal out of nothing, a cross from the left found its way to their right winger lurking in what appeared to be a spot several yards offside, his volleyed finish allowed to stand by the ref despite vigorous protesting.
The goal made for an incredibly nervous finale with the lads on top but well aware another Roach goal could signal the end of 2 years hard work aimed at getting back into the top flight. With Buckley pulling the strings Prestwich created many many chances to kill the game but the ball just wouldn’t go in, David Prieto inexplicably missing another Murty pull back from inches out of goal.
Fortunately with side line nerves shredded and the ref seeming to want to play extra time Prieto made up for his mistake in the 94th minute holding of a desperate challenge to fire home from close range to finally bring relief and confirmation of mission accomplished.
