LANCASHIRE AMATEUR SHIELD FIRST ROUND

ASPULL JUNIORS...4

PRESTWICH HEYS...3

THE brief flirtation Heys usually have with this cup competition continued at Aspull, where they failed again to progress beyond the first round, for the third successive season!

This is a tournament which brings together teams of varying standards, from all over the county.

Heys went into the game without a regular midfield unit and it showed as Aspull took a firm hold from the start, and their footballing ability didn't allow Heys to gain any advantage in a part of the field Heys normally dominate. The effect of this put pressure on the defence, and the writing was on the wall as they had difficulty in thwarting the decisive movements of the Aspull attack.

A couple of chances fell to Heys in the first period, but fortunate defending cleared the danger, and it was always the home side which looked likely to score. They managed this after 23 minutes when a low cross from the right was converted at the near post, and the lead was doubled before the break.

Changes were made for the start of the second half with Ashton and Reeves joining the action, but Heys were still struggling to find any cohesion, Danny Norton being the only player to show any sign of changing the situation. Aspull were still the more dangerous of the two sides and went 3-0 up on the hour.

Morley was introduced into game but almost immediately, Heys were reduced to ten men as Barry White was injured and unable to continue.

All three substitutes had been used but the deficiency in personnel brought about a change in fortune. Reeves pulled a goal back with a deft chipped shot over the 'keeper, and then Tim Stokes made it 3-2 with a shot from distance which the 'keeper was guilty of letting bounce over his head. Reeves then got his second and it was 3-3 with extra time looking an option. Heys, being so much on top against a tiring Aspull defence, were aiming for the win in the extra half hour but this was not to be. Aspull got the winner in the last minute, as Stokes and Rooney confused each other in attempting to clear the ball, and an attacker came between them to get the winner.

PRESTWICH HEYS: Rooney, Dydyna, Brierley, Walters, Stokes, White, Norton, Love, Jones, Uddin, Massey. Subs: Ashton, Reeves, Morley.

Back to league action tomorrow with an away game at Irlam MS, kick-off 2.30pm, Salteye Park, Peel Green.

The Reserves won 5-0 at home to East Manchester. Goals from Gary Sewell (2), Chris Cunliffe, Paul Leonard, and Matty Evans. They play at home on Saturday against Dukinfield Town, kick-off 2.30pm.

On Sunday, Heys take on the challenge of Penwortham Boys in the first round of the LFA Under-18 Youth Cup, kick-off 1.45pm. John Devlin's young side are looking forward to this game which should be an entertaining one.