Prestwich missed a golden opportunity to take three points off what is likely to emerge as one of the stronger teams in this division based on last season’s form.
With both teams missing several players due to the usual bank holiday trips Prestwich had an unusual looking line up and formation trialling a back three of debutant John Robertson, Paul Taylor and Pete Gallagher, with Aldair Victorano and Mike Neary given the wing back roles.
It appeared to be working well as Prestwich had slightly the upper hand in a tight opening period in which Robertson and another debutant Tito Miguel both impressed, Robertson with his strength in the air and on the floor coming out on top with several robust challenges, and Miguel with his slippery skills and bravery for one with such a slight frame.
On 16 mins Prestwich took the lead through Steve Murty when a shot from an incredibly tight angle almost on the right corner flag squirmed in under the keeper to go in off the far post.
Prestwich were looking good and playing some neat football with Darren Buckley, Tom Walsh and Miguel dominating the central areas. There were a couple more chances to increase the lead before Horwich started to claw their way back in the game winning a string of corners ensuring new keeper Dane Abbot had to be on his toes.
Just when it was looking like the lads would make it to half time Horwich equalised with a soft looking goal, a misplaced pass conceded possession wide right and the run to the and pass across goal brought about an uncontested tap in on 43 mins to leave it 1-1 at the interval.
It was a closely fought game from the resumption, with little to choose between the sides however Horwich missed a couple of real sitters blazing a header and a shot over the bar from very close range. Prestwich grew into the half though and started to create chances of their own with Miguel and Buckley in particular threading nice balls through for Sean Haslam, Neary and Victorano to run on to.
On 75 mins Prestwich took the lead when a neat passing move started by Buckley saw the ball end up at Miguel’s feet some 8 yards of goal with just the keeper to beat, and he finished it off well.
Buoyed by the goal Prestwich were on top and could and should have added to the lead, first Victorano cut in from the left to cut a ball across goal, Murty just failed to adjust his feet quickly enough to tap the ball home, then on 80 mins Murty was the again the culprit when Prestwich were awarded a penalty. The initial shot was saved by the keeper but perhaps worse was the miss from the rebound which landed straight back at Murty’s feet only for him to miscue and see the ball squirm agonisingly wide.
Prestwich were made to pay for their profligacy when Horwich equalised on 85 mins, when a half clearance was picked up all too easily some 40 yards out and the player allowed to make a diagonal run to cross to the right hand edge of the box where it was met on the half volley and drilled inside the left hand post.
Both teams went toe to toe to try and clinch a winner in the remaining minutes but it remained one a piece at the finish.
Having led twice and missed the penalty at 2-1 the draw felt more like a defeat for Prestwich but on reflection it was probably a fair outcome on the balance of play in the game.
