REPORT – Prestwich 5-1 Mostonians

Prestwich returned to winning ways after scoring five goals in horrible conditions at Hopwood Hall.

The game was astutely moved to 4G on Friday by John Haslam, a cancellation on grass would have been a certainty. Even on the 4G, the rain played a big impact in slowing passes down.

Prestwich took the lead early on when Lewis Smith flicked in from a corner. Despite missing a host of chances, Prestwich were poor for large parts of the first half. The sloppiness finally caught up with Prestwich when a slack pass from Lorenzini was intercepted by Mostonians and duly punished.

Prestwich, to their credit, responded quickly. Neary jinked past a couple of defenders inside the area, and Wheaton was on hand to tuck home the rebound from all of one inch. Neary would then give Prestwich a two-goal buffer just before half time, showing technical ability to keep a half volley down and into the back of the net.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Mostonians often pretty in possession but regularly vulnerable to a Prestwich counter. Keeper Blake made a couple of good saves to keep Moston at bay, and his excellent kicking was causing problems for the visitors in swirling conditions.

Prestwich finally got a fourth after substitute Holden found Lewis Smith for an unmissable tap in. Holden would complete the scoring in stoppage time, finishing calmly on yet another counter attack. Prestwich were thankful to the efforts of captain Hill who was a class above in central midfield.

Prestwich visit table toppers Rochdale St Clements next Saturday 12th February, kick off is 2pm at Burton Park (OL11 5EX).