Prestwich FC 3, Irlam 5
Friendly match at Goshen, Bury
Saturday 25th July 2009
A low-on-numbers Prestwich first team more than held their own against Irlam’s young ‘A’ team as strikes from Brad Higgins, Stephen Foley and John Blezard gave the home side a deserved 3-2 lead. However, the introduction of fresh legs for the visitors proved the difference as, despite Curtis Ward’s late penalty miss, they notched three late strikes to take the win.
With the reserves playing two teams from Standians on the pitch next door and a few bodies missing with injuries and holiday’s, the first team were down to a bare eleven (plus manager Metcalfe) for this visit of semi-pro’ outfit Irlam’s third team.
An early break from the visitors brought about a squandered chance for the Silver Street side before some neat build-up play opened up space for Brad Higgins to slot home from 12 yards to give Prestwich the lead.
Irlam hit back with two quick goals as they turned the game on it’s head although some of the one-touch play from the home side was simply a joy to watch as they left their opponents chasing shadows.
A direct free-kick on the half hour gave Prestwich their chance to get back on level terms and Stephen Foley didn’t disappoint with a left-footed rapier in to the top corner leaving the young Irlam ‘keeper no chance.
Striker John Blezard put Prestwich back in to the lead just after the break but our lack of bodies on the bench, coupled with the fine summer weather, was starting to take it’s toll on the players.
Manager Lee Metcalfe made a 15 minute cameo appearance as defender Zach Thorp left the pitch for treatment on a foot injury.
But with Irlam enjoying a full compliment of substitutes, the fresh legs proved just too much to contain and they soon grabbed an equaliser before Curtis Ward’s nudge on a forward resulted in a penalty for the visitors which was converted to take a four-three lead.
However, Ward soon had a glorious chance to make amends as Prestwich were awarded a penalty of their own for a handball in the area.
Stepping up confidently and making a clean connection, Ward seemed to be in luck until the Irlam ‘keeper met the ball at full-stretch to palm the effort around the post.
Irlam’s fifth was gained with just five minutes remaining and gave the scoreline a somewhat unrealistic view of what was a very close match until the final quarter.
Indeed, if only Prestwich could call on a couple of fresh players of their own, then a draw from this game would have been the very least they deserved.
PFC: Parker, Hopkins, Ward, Thorp (Metcalfe), Steadman, Lott, Howarth, Kosub, Blezard (1), Higgins (1), Foley (1)
