METCALFE FIRES TITLE WARNING

AMBITIOUS Prestwich FC are aiming to win the Lancashire Amateur League Second Division title in their first season.

Manager of the table-topping Heys Road side, Lee Metcalfe, has said nothing less will do as his men chart a meteoric rise up the amateur league pyramid.

Metcalfe is confident his men can deliver the title following their 3-1 win over their close rivals Hesketh Casuals in their last outing on December 12.

Sean Haslam’s brace and a late goal from John Blezard secured a seventh straight league victory for Prestwich, who are one point clear of the chasing pack and have between two and four games in hand on their nearest rivals.

“We want back-to-back promotions and we are targeting the LAL Premier League title as a realistic goal,” said Metcalfe.

“Our team is full of 18 to 22-year-old players who are giving 100 per cent week in week out. I could not ask more from them than they are already giving.”

Metcalfe worked under the inspirational management of Adie Moran at Prestwich Heys when they won three back-to-back Manchester League Premier Division titles and the Goldline Trophy.

And the Prestwich boss admits his managerial career has been heavily influenced by his time at Heys under Moran.

“He was a fantastic manager,” he said. “Everything I am doing is as a result of what rubbed off on me under Adie.”

Metcalfe has added experienced former Heys centre back Paul Taylor to his ranks to provide a guiding hand on the pitch for his young charges.

By Nick Jackson/Prestwich & Whitefield Guide