Three games, no points and only two goals. It was fair to say that Prestwich’s new Premier Division campaign hadn’t got off to the greatest of starts.
And just as all the player suspensions restarted after the summer break, one would say the last thing the team needed was the visit of current Champions Failsworth Dynamos!
Missing FIVE first team regulars, Prestwich pulled a superb result out of the bag as they dominated their opponents for large periods of this match.
After an opening period where both teams sized each other up, Anthony Roberts provided the magic as his through ball sliced the Failsworth defence apart. Martin Hill collected the pass before unselfishly squaring to Ashley Hoolighan for a tap-in.
But the visitors hit back and looked to get back on terms from the spot after a forward was sent tumbling in the box. Prestwich ‘keeper Alex Blake has other ideas though and produced a brilliant save down to his right before the loose ball was fired wide.
And just as Prestwich’s missed penalty at weekend was immediately punished by Chaddertonians, Craig Howarth’s team surged up the other end of the pitch with Luke Smith supplying Roberts who fired low across the ‘keeper and in to the far corner for two-nil.
Determined not to let another two goal advantage slip through their fingers, Prestwich came out after the break in the mood for more goals.
On the hour, the third came with Smith involved again as he set Hoolighan free on the right. His driven cross was skilfully volleyed home from ten yards by Joe Kosub.
On seventy minutes came the early contender for goal of the season as Martin Hill smashed an effort in to the top corner off the underside of the bar from 20 yards.
And with Prestwich looking dangerous from every attack, Hoolighan grabbed his second of the game with 8 minutes remaining as he nodded in Hill’s centre for his side’s fifth.
As the darkness rolled in, the ref blew to end the misery for the champions and confirm a result that should hopefully kickstart Prestwich’s season.
PRESTWICH: Blake, Buckley, Kirkley, Kosub (1), Steadman, Taylor, Smith (Williams), Walsh, Roberts (1) (Napier), Hoolighan (2) (Jackson), Hill (1)
