This game, played only because Whitworth had arranged to hire a 4G pitch, was subjected to driving rain and swirling winds throughout. Despite the conditions both sides played good football and both did better playing against the wind.
Prestwich started much the better side and created chances right from the start.
A superb interchange of passes saw Sean Haslam go 1 on 1 with the keeper who pulled of a tremendous save to keep his side level. Minutes later Haslam again got behind the Whitworth defence only to fire over when he perhaps should have done better. Whitworth had their fair share of possession but rarely troubled the Prestwich goal.
At the other end Jacob, Prieto and Haslam were constantly threatening to break the deadlock and on 20 minutes a superb piece of play between these 3 saw Prieto in on goal and expertly chip the onrushing keeper.
Prestwich doubled their lead on 27 minutes when from a corner Sam Holden rose to power in a header that left the keeper no chance.
Further chances were created but not taken and in the final 10 minutes of the half Whitworth began to get a foothold in the game culminating in the final seconds with an effort that Sam Holden somehow cleared off the line.
The second half saw a reversal of fortunes as Whitworth began to dominate play and created chances of their own. Mike Hudson making one superb save and the defence on mass keeping out the rampaging Whitworth forwards.
Prestwich were dealt a massive blow on 55 minutes when Sam Holden who had been outstanding was forced to leave the field after taking an elbow to the face which raised fears of concussion and he took no further part.
After a reshuffle Prestwich settled to the task of defending their lead and it looked as though they would be breached after an ill timed challenge by Richard Steadman resulted in a penalty award. Fortunately this was scorned as the Whitworth player skied the ball high over the bar.
The lead would not last much longer as the Whitworth pressure told with two quick fire goals in the 71st and 72nd minutes.
Prestwich reshuffled the pack again and despite further pressure held firm with Mike Hudson making another superb save to tip a rasping shot onto the bar and away to safety.
During the last 10 minutes Prestwich were able to retain the ball a little better and began probing forward. Indeed they might have snatched an unlikely win when Dave Thompson fired in a vicious free kick which the Whitworth keeper just managed to tip round the post.
Overall the game was a credit to both sides and whilst Prestwich were perhaps fortunate in the second half to hang on for a point they could have been 5 – 0 up after half an hour so on balance a draw was a fair result.
