Prestwich were given a tough re-introduction to the Premier Division in this defeat to an Old Mancs side that generally occupy a mid table spot come the end of the season.
Whilst the scoreline was a somewhat harsh reflection on the game as a whole, the result against what was a younger, fitter, stronger outfit probably wasn’t.
For half an hour game was very evenly balanced with both sides going toe to toe but with the defences on top and few clear-cut chances being created, one really sensed that the first goal would be key in this game.
On 33 mins a bizarre incident saw stand in captain Kieran Comiskey red carded for bringing down an opponent after a quickly taken free kick had gone disastrously wrong, then having got half way to the dressing room the decision was reversed the referee having consulted with his linesman and Comiskey allowed to continue.
The incident and ensuing drama clearly unsettled the Prestwich boys as minutes after the restart they went behind when the right winger made a strong penetrative run and hit a powerful cross come shot, keeper Dane Abbot was caught too far off his line expecting more of cross and with the ball behind him could only fumble the ball into his own net.
There after Mancs were largely in control and Prestwich’s only real effort on goal came through Sean Haslam who did well to hold of a player wide left of the area to get through on goal, the keeper reacted smartly to get down the shot though and it remained 0-1 at half time.
Prestwich started the second half strongly enjoying much more possession but without really working the opposing keeper and on 55 mins Mancs extended their lead with a beautifully struck free kick.
On the hour there was a pivotal incident of the game when Mike Neary burst into the box using his strength to get himself ahead of the retreating defender who crudely brought him down, it looked a stonewall penalty but the referee waved play on and Prestwich were left to rue what could have been.
Prestwich showed great spirit to try and claw something out of the game with Dave Thomson going close and Steve Murty jinking his way into the box but just unable to get a shot in.
As it was Mancs added a third on 85 mins to kill the game and Prestwich now move on to the next game against Rossendale on Weds to try and make a mark in this division.
