WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE

PRESTWICH enjoyed a week which put them to within touching distance of the Lancashire Amateur League Division One title.

A trip to third place Prairie United last Wednesday brought about a 2-0 win for Lee Metcalfe’s men. Goals from veteran defender Paul Taylor (penalty) and winger Martin Hill were enough to see off the Burnley based side and as news came through that second place rivals Hesketh Casuals fell 4-1 at Hindley, Prestwich were then guaranteed promotion at least.

But knowing that the team would be plying their trade in the Premier Division next season, the final target for this year was to go up as Champions.

A tough trip to Bolton Wyresdale followed last Saturday and two more penalties from the now prolific Taylor, plus a 27th goal of the season from striker Sean Haslam meant another success for Prestwich with a 3-0 win.

It then got even better as more good news soon followed that Hesketh had fallen again, this time 5-2 at home to Mostonians, putting the Heys Road side 11 points clear at the top of Division One with three games left to play.

• Division Five champions Prestwich Reserves progressed to the semi final of the 2XI Cup following a penalty shootout win against Rochdale St Clements Reserves. Following a 1-1 draw at full time, Prestwich ‘keeper Kieran Watson finally ended the lengthy decider with a good save before stepping up himself to blast home in an 8-7 win. This sets up a semi final tie at Heys Road next Tuesday against Old Blackburnians Reserves, kick off 6:30pm.