FIRSTS STAY IN TOUCH

Prestwich made it three wins on the trot last Saturday as they overcame Howe Bridge Mills 4-2 to keep in the pack leading the way at the top of the Lancashire Amateur League Premier Division.

Lee Bushell’s early drive from the edge of the box gave the home side a perfect start and winger Adam Edwards doubled that lead fifteen minutes later.

Striker Sean Haslam, forming a decent looking partnership with new signing Ashford Blake, put Prestwich three-nil up before Howe Bridge pulled one back on the stroke of half-time.

Prestwich plugged away in the second half but couldn’t recapture the form they showed in the first period and when the visitors pulled another goal back with 10 minutes remaining, the nerves started to jangle.

But there was no need to worry as Bushell’s last minute strike from the penalty spot sealed the three points and moved the team up one place to fifth in the Premier Division, just three points behind leaders Bury Grammar and with three games in hand.

PRESTWICH: Alex Blake, Craig Howarth (Tom Platt), Mike Kirkley, Pete Gallagher, Richard Steadman, Paul Taylor (Chris Hudson), Adam Edwards (1), Darren Buckley, Sean Haslam (1), Ashford Blake, Lee Bushell (2)

• Prestwich Reserves suffered a 2-0 reverse up at third placed Hesketh Casuals in Division Three and stay in eighth place.

• The A Team suffered another defeat in Division Four, going down 6-3 at home to Mostonians Reserves. Marc Jeffreys and Tom Clayton scored either side of a Mostonians own goal.

• Weather permitting, games this weekend are as follows:

Little Lever v Prestwich – Mytham Road, Kick-off 2pm
Prestwich Reserves v Oldham Hulmeians Res – Heys Rd, Kick-off 2pm
Prestwich A v Old Blackburnians A – Littleton Road, Kick-off 2pm

Prestwich Sunday v Crown – Outwood Rd, Kick-off 10:30am

Match Photo’s – Prestwich 4, Howe Bridge Mills 2