HASLAM BRACE SECURES WIN

For the second week running, Prestwich came from behind to beat Hesketh Casuals 3-1 at Heys Road on Saturday. Ashley Hoolighan’s turn and shot before the break brought the home side level before Sean Haslam’s late double sealed the points.

The team that followed Prestwich through the divisions over the last two season’s have also found life more challenging in the top flight of the Lancashire Amateur league.

With only four points from their opening eight games, the visitors started brightly and got their reward with a goal after half an hour.

Midfield man Tom Walsh soon after had a chance to level but slammed his close-range effort over the crossbar.

But the home side weren’t to be denied as birthday boy Ashley Hoolighan notched his 14th of the season with a neat turn and shot five minutes before the break.

On the hour, Sean Haslam had a chance to give Prestwich a deserved lead but sent his effort wide of the post.

But the striker made amends ten minutes later as he found the net to complete the turnaround.

With five minutes remaining the game was made safe as substitute Paul O’Donnell supplied Haslam who converted at the second attempt.

Prestwich now travel up to Southport this Saturday for the return league fixture against Hesketh. Another three points there could see Craig Howarth’s team move up to a comfortable fourth place in the table. Kick off at Preston New Road is 2:30pm.

PRESTWICH: Blake, Buckley (Hill), Bushell (O’Donnell), Holden (Roberts), Steadman, Taylor, Walsh, Kosub, Haslam (2), Hoolighan (1), Kirkley

• Prestwich Reserves overcame a difficult pitch to beat Horwich Victoria Reserves 2-1 at Green Lane. Danny Jones and Darran Williams scored the goals for Liam Morrissey’s men who now have a maximum 24 points from their 8 games played.

• Prestwich A Team took the points in a high-scoring 7-4 win against Lymm Reserves at Drinkwater Park. Shaun Jackson scored an 18 minute hat-trick with strikes also for Luke Smith (2), Aaron Saunders and a Simon McMahon penalty.