PRESTWICH HEYS PREVIEW
After a sensational evening, a true advert for non-league football, on Tuesday night at home to Bury, it’s another local derby this weekend as our old friends from the Manchester League days, Prestwich Heys make their way up to the HWRS.
MATCH: Ramsbottom United vs Prestwich Heys
VENUE: Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, Ramsbottom, BL0 0BS
COMPETITION: North West Counties Premier Division
DATE: Saturday 21st September 2024
KICK-OFF: 3:00pm
ADMISSION: Adults – £9, Concessions – £5, U12 – £1 (with paying adult) – CASH ONLY
OVERVIEW:
Has the heart rate come down from Tuesday night’s epic clash with Bury? What a sensational, brilliant game it was, which could have gone either way right up to the 94th minute. A proper advert for non-league football and a joy to watch.
But as the crowds made their way from the ground under the Super Moon lit sky, focus started to turn towards Saturday and another game with another local rival from down Bury’s Manchester Road in Prestwich Heys.
It is fair to say that Heys are not enjoying the best of seasons with just two wins from their 13 starts, five defeats in a row and haven’t scored in their last three. Their last victory came at Squires Gate six games ago, their only taste of success in their last 10.
What you can be sure of is that anyone at Heys will look back to last season where they comprehensively defeat the Rams twice – the brain busting, mind meddling 3-0 loss at Adie Moran Park in September that many Rammy supporters still can’t quite get their heads around with Jack Coop’s first half double and Kai Haigh’s third in the second sealing all three points for the hosts.
And then, in March, they took a 4-2 success back down the M66 despite Hayhurst and Lucas pulling us back into the contest after Rio Wilson-Heyes, Dylan Fitzgerald, Nathan Emery and Matthew Davies easing the visitors into an unbeatable position.
Things are slightly different this season as the Rams hold top spot in the league after the draw on Tuesday night but they will not be taking this game at all lightly as Heys, albeit very early in the season, needs to start picking up their form and where better to do it than at the table toppers?
HISTORY:
Prior to last season, our previous meetings came in our final year of life in the Manchester League where the two leagues games both went the way of Heys in two very high scoring encounters – 3-5 at Sandgate Road and 2-3 at the Riverside.
The Rams’ only victory against Heys on record is a 3-2 Gilgryst Cup semi-final victory, coming after extra time, in May 1995.
WARNING:
There is “Ramsbottom Pride” taking place on Saturday at the Civic Hall starting at 11am through to 7pm – so be aware that the town might be busier than normal.
STEVE WILKES’ THOUGHTS:
“I was really proud of the team but a little disappointed on Tuesday night as we were 1-0 up and Luke had a chance to make it two. We also hit the post and had a good penalty shout but we knew we would be on the back foot in the second half and defended very well.
“But we move on to Saturday and will play Prestwich Heys where there might only be 250 on but we have to show the same commitment again. I was proud of them and we have to go again with the same mindset on Saturday.”
