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Prestwich Heys penultimate league clash took them to Monton Amateurs, and a typical end of season game ended with the home side winning convincingly by 5-2, writes Scott White.

In all fairness, Heys did enjoy plenty of pressure, but looked a little shy in front of goal in energy sapping weather whilst the Amateurs found the back of the net with almost every effort they carved out.

It all started superbly when Heys went a goal up within two minutes when an Anthony Jackson corner kick was looped over the keeper by John Garrick.

Heys pressed hard, with Alex Skelly proving a real handful as he used his strength to disrupt the home defence, whilst Jackson, Garrick and Ant Greenhouse attempted to play off him and exploit their pace.

The game had really not settled into any pattern when Monton levelled the scores through Dennis Hardman in what was the home side's first effective assault on the Heys' goal.

It didn't get much better for Heys in the rest of the half as Monton went ahead through Andy Barlow, who headed home rather too easily following a needless free-kick outside the Heys penalty area.

Kev Brierley and Adie Moran threw themselves forward during a purple patch for Prestwich, one impressive move involving Jamie Lomas, Jackson and Garrick ending with Skelly heading just wide of the post with the 'Keeper well beaten.

Unfortunately, the sucker punch soon followed when Lee Hull buried a fantastic shot beyond Paul Johnston to give Monton a rather flattering 3-1 lead.

Craig Doble replaced the injured Si Kluj at the break, and the visitors continued to toil in search of the goal which would provide a vital lifeline.

It came following some tenacious midfield from Moran, who released Garrick and Jackson before Greenhouse crossed for Skelly to convert in text-book fashion with a powerful header, and it was game on.

All Heys' attackers got themselves into the game, but there was an unusual reticence to shoot and all too often the home defence had time to regroup in numbers and snuff out the chance.

Only a couple of good saves by Paul Johnston kept the Amateurs out as the sides resorted to more route one football.

Monton had Rhodri Giggs menacing with his pace, and just when Heys thought they could snatch something from the game, the Amateurs regained a two goal cushion following some tired defending.

Dennis Hardman collected the ball following a swift counter, and controlled well before firing into the top corner from an acute angle.

With the temperature soaring, both sides began to try and conserve their dwindling energies, but Monton still found time to go nap as Marc Osmond finished well to end their season on a high, and leave Heys needing a morale boosting win on Tuesday at Failsworth Town to ensure a good final league position.

Heys Line-up : Johnston, Brierley, Kluj, Stokes, Hannam, Moran, Lomas, Jackson, Greenhouse, Garrick, Skelly. Sub : Doble.

The First team now travel to Failsworth Town for their final game on Tuesday, kick-off 6.45pm.

Heys reserves were beaten 3-1 at Mitchell Shackleton, and face another tiring week. Monday sees them travel to Hollinwood before a Wednesday night home clash with New Mills. Thursday sees a local derby at home to Stand Athletic and Saturday the visit of Stockport Georgians.