An indifferent start to the defence of their Lancs Amateur League Premier Division crown has seen Prestwich pick up just a single point from their opening two games of the season.
A three-nil loss at last season’s runners-up Old Boltonians got the season off to the worse possible start while letting a two goal lead slip at home to Bury GSOB a few days later also brought cause for concern.
Midfield man Peter Gallagher was a welcome return to the side but Prestwich’s defensive frailties this season were still apparent as the home side took the lead after just 15 minutes.
But a quickfire blast from the Champions turned the game on it’s head. First as veteran campaigner Paul Taylor celebrated qualifying for his free bus pass with a brace before Tom Walsh found the net off the foot of a post.
A topsy-turvy game then edged back towards Mancs as they pulled a goal back just before half-time and then got back on level terms mid-way through the second half.
Prestwich ‘keeper Ryan Dillon was called in to action with a couple of fine saves to prevent Old Mancs from taking the lead as the home side grew increasingly frustrated with some decisions, in their opinion, going against them.
And that was compounded with just eight minutes remaining as Ashford Blake rounded the Mancs ‘keeper to clinch the maximum three points for Prestwich.
PRESTWICH – Dillon, Ward, Kirkley, Walsh (1), Kosub, Taylor (2), McHugh (Jeffreys), Gallagher, Haslam, Blake (1), Roberts
• Prestwich Reserves started their season in fine style with a one-sided 12-0 win over Castle Hill Reserves at Heys Road. Aaron Darbyshire (4), Dominic Sweeney (2), David Fletcher (2), Joseph Din (2) and Karl Seaton (1) got on the scoresheet for Simon McMahon’s side with an own goal thrown in there as well. Not surprisingly, although it means little at this time of the year, the Reserves go top of Division Three.
• More midweek action on Wednesday as Prestwich travel to Failsworth Dynamos in the Premier Division. Kick off is 6:30pm at the Failsworth Soccer Centre, M35 9HA.
Match Photo’s – Old Mancunians 3, Prestwich 4
